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Low SHBG, testosterone, and clinical AD are linked to metabolic syndrome development

NewsRx.com

04-27-06

Low sex hormone-binding globulin, total testosterone, and symptomatic androgen deficiency are associated with development of the metabolic syndrome in nonobese men.

"The metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by central obesity, lipid and insulin dysregulation, and hypertension, is a precursor state for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether low serum sex hormone levels or clinical androgen deficiency (AD) predict the development of MetS," scientists in the United States report.

V. Kupelian and colleagues working with the New England Research Institute explained, "Data were obtained from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, a population-based prospective cohort of 1709 men observed at three time points (T-1, 1987-1989; T-2, 1995-1997; T-3, 2002-2004).

"MetS was defined using a modification of the ATP III guidelines. Clinical AD was defined using a combination of testosterone levels and clinical signs and symptoms. The association between MetS and sex hormone levels or clinical AD was assessed using relative risks (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Analysis was conducted in 950 men without MetS at T1."

The data showed, "Lower levels of total testosterone and SHBG were predictive of MetS, particularly among men with a body mass index (BMI) below 25 kg/m2 with adjusted RRs for a decrease in 1 SD of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.06-1.87) and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.12-2.42). Results were similar for the AD and MetS association, with RRs of 2.51 (95% CI, 1.12-5.65) among men with a BMI less than 25 compared with an RR of 1.22 (95% CI, 0.66-2.24) in men with a BMI of 25 or greater."

The researchers concluded, "Low serum SHBG, low total testosterone, and clinical AD are associated with increased risk of developing MetS over time, particularly in nonoverweight, middle-aged men (BMI, <25). [T]hese results suggest that low SHBG and/or AD may provide early warning signs for cardiovascular risk and an opportunity for early intervention in nonobese men."

Kupelian and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (Low sex hormone-binding globulin, total testosterone, and symptomatic androgen deficiency are associated with development of the metabolic syndrome in nonobese men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2006;91(3):843-850).

For more information, contact V. Kupelian, New England Research Institute, 9 Galen St., Watertown, MA 02472, USA.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism is: Endocrine Society, 8401 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 900, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-5817, USA.

Keywords: Watertown, Massachusetts, United States, Androgen Deficiency, Andrology, Angiology, Cardiology, Cardiovascular, Cardiovascular Disease, Endocrinology, Epidemiology, Hormones, Hypertension, Metabolism, Obesity, Overweight, Pharmaceuticals, Testosterone, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin, Vascular Disease. This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com.

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