Testicular and blood steroid levels in aged men.
In this study, we have evaluated the hypophyso-gonadal axis in three groups of men aged 60-69, 70-79 and 80-91 years by measuring the intratesticular concentrations of several steroids (pregnenolone, progesterone, DHEA, DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol) and serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The histological examination of testes revealed normal spermatogenesis in all examined samples. No significant changes in serum hormone and SHBG concentrations as well as in testicular steroid contents among the three groups of patients were found. However, the mean serum SHBG level was three times higher in the oldest men than in other groups and a positive correlation between patient's age and serum SHBG was observed. Therefore, the bioavailability of estradiol in the oldest men was likely diminished. Consequently, the hormonal status in aged men is rather unchanged but great variations observed between patients imply special cautious when the SHBG and estradiol levels are concerned.
Carreau
Serge
S
Department of Biochemistry, University Esplanade de la Paix, Caen, France. carreau@ibfa.unicaen.fr
Bourguiba
Sonia
S
Marie
Eric
E
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000032:analysis; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000032:analysis; D004958:Estradiol / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011284:Pregnenolone / Q000032:analysis; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis; D012016:Reference Values; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000032:analysis; D013256:Steroids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood*; D013737:Testis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood
D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013256:Steroids; D013739:Testosterone; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D011284:Pregnenolone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone