Association of sex hormones and C-reactive protein levels in men.
OBJECTIVE
The age-associated decline in sex hormone levels in men is paralleled by an increase in cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors including low grade chronic inflammation. The objective of this analysis was to investigate the association between sex hormone levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a population-based sample of men.


METHODS
Population-based, cross-sectional observational survey.


METHODS
A multistage stratified design was used to recruit a random sample of 2301 racially and ethnically diverse men age 30-79 years. Blood samples were obtained on 1899 men. Analyses were conducted on 1559 men with complete data on CRP and sex hormone levels.


METHODS
High-sensitivity CRP levels. The association between CRP and sex hormone levels was assessed using multiple linear regression models.


RESULTS
An inverse association was observed, in both bivariate and multivariate analyses, between CRP and total testosterone, free testosterone and SHBG levels. These associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, body mass index, comorbid conditions and lifestyle factors. A positive trend between oestradiol (total and free) and CRP levels was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
A robust, inverse dose-response correlation between testosterone and SHBG levels with CRP levels provides further evidence of a potential role of androgens in inflammatory processes.
Kupelian
Varant
V
New England Research Institutes, Watertown, MA 02472, USA. vkupelian@neriscience.com
Chiu
Gretchen R
GR
Araujo
Andre B
AB
Williams
Rachel E
RE
Clark
Richard V
RV
McKinlay
John B
JB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D002097:C-Reactive Protein