title: Age-related patterns of urinary gonadotropins (FSH and LH) and E-3-G as measures of reproductive function among Turkana males of northern Kenya.
abstract: To determine age-related patterns of gonadotropins and their relationship to energetic status in a subsistence population we analyzed urinary FSH, LH, and estrone-3-glucuronide (E-3-G) along with anthropometric measures among Turkana males of northern Kenya. Subjects were 134 nomadic and 109 settled males ages 20 to 80+. FSH, LH and E-3-G were significantly higher among the settled, compared to nomadic, males. LH, but not FSH, showed a significant increase across 10 year age groups among all the men. E-3-G increased across age groups only among the settled males. Controlled for age, FSH was inversely related to measures of fat free and body mass among the settled men. These findings suggest an unusual age profile of gonadotropins and estrogen metabolites that may reflect the impact of fluctuating food availability. More research is needed to address the impact of energetic and social factors on the male reproductive axis among energetically stressed populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Sabin Hall, N. Downer Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA. campbelb@uwm.edu
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leslie
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000652:urine*; D000886:Anthropometry; D004970:Estrone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000652:urine; D005006:Ethnicity; D005298:Fertility; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000652:urine*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014171:Transients and Migrants; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: C015856:estrone-3-glucuronide; D004970:Estrone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone