Hypothesis testing of the aging male gonadal axis via a biomathematical construct.
Neuroendocrine axes are feedback- and feedforward-coupled dynamic ensembles. Disruption of selected pathways in such networklike organizations may explicate loss of orderly hormonal output as observed in aging. To test this notion more explicitly, we implemented an earlier computer-assisted biomathematical model of the interlinked male hypothalamo [gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)]-pituitary [luteinizing hormone, (LH)]-testicular [Leydig cell testosterone (Te)] axis (Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab Physiol 275: E157--E176, 1988; Keenan D., W. Sun, and J. D. Veldhuis, SIAM J Appl Math 61: 934--965, 2000). Thereby, we appraise mechanistic hypotheses for more disorderly LH and Te secretion in aging men. We compare model predictions with monitored abnormalities in the older male, namely, irregular patterns of individual and synchronous LH and Te release, reduced 24-h rhythmic Te output, and variably elevated LH secretion. Among the mechanisms examined, the most parsimonious aging hypothesis would entail impaired LH feedforward on Te without or with attenuated Te feedback on GnRH/LH secretion. This investigative strategy should aid in exploring new postulates of disrupted feedback networks in pathophysiology.
Keenan
D M
DM
Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA.
Veldhuis
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003198:Computer Simulation; D019277:Entropy; D005246:Feedback; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism
D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone