July - September 2012, Volume 8, Issue 3

Sabet Z, Azizi F, Amouzegar A

Serum Testosterone, Free Testosterone Index and SHBG Concentration for Reduction of Metabolic Syndrome in Tehranian Men

Acta Endo (Buc) 2012, 8 (3): 453-466
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2012.453

Background. Although androgen deficiency in men is associated with obesity, whether the deficiency is a consequence of the syndrome is still unclear. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the association between low levels of sex hormones and development of the metabolic syndrome. Subjects and Methods. A total of 836 men, aged ≥ 20 years, participants of the Tehran Lipid Glucose Study, were assessed at baseline and after 6.5 years follow-up, based on both ATP III and IDF criteria for occurrence of metabolic syndrome. The association between serum total and free testosterone index and SHBG and metabolic syndrome was investigated using logistic regression models. Results. After 6.5 years of follow-up, the metabolic syndrome developed in 131 and 207 men based on ATP III and IDF criteria respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an inverse relationship for total testosterone in the lower tertile concentration, and serum triglycerides, according to both criteria mentioned (OR = 1.6; 95%CI 1.02-2.5). According to ATP III criteria, adjustment of waist circumference eliminated most of the correlations between total testosterone and metabolic syndrome (OR=1.34, 95% CI (0.8-2.3), while SHBG and free testosterone index were not significantly associated with the syndrome. According to IDF criteria, statistical adjustment of waist circumference eliminated most of the correlations between total testosterone and metabolic syndrome [(OR=1.45, 95% CI (0.9-2.3)], and adjustment with triglycerides eliminated all correlations between SHBG and metabolic syndrome (OR=1.5, 95% CI (0.9-2.5). Conclusions. Androgen deficiency may be related to poorly controlled serum triglycerides and increased waist circumference.

Keywords: metabolic syndrome , total testosterone , SHBG, free testosterone index

Correspondence: Zary Sabet Shahid MD, Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Shahed University - Internal Medicine Mostafa Khomeiny Hospital, Italia Street,Tehran 19395-4763 Islamic Republic of Iran, F: +98 21 22402463 Email: sabet@safineh.net