Lower sex hormone-binding globulin more strongly associated with metabolic syndrome than lower testosterone in older men
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The aim of this cross-sectional study of 2502 community-dwelling men aged ≥70 years without known diabetes was to examine the relative contribution of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone to the risk of metabolic syndrome (NCEP ATP III criteria) in older men. Early morning fasting sera were assayed for total testosterone, SHBG and LH, with free testosterone being calculated using mass action equations. In total, 24.1% of men presented with metabolic syndrome, the risk of metabolic syndrome increasing for total testosterone <20 nmol/L, SHBG <50 nmol/L and free testosterone <300 pmol/L. Multivariate analysis revealed that both total testosterone and especially SHBG were associated with metabolic syndrome, with odds ratios of 1.34 and 1.77, respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was the highest in men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. In conclusion, lower SHBG appears more strongly associated with metabolic syndrome than lower total testosterone in community-dwelling older men.
Abstract
