Plasma sex hormone-binding globulin binding capacity in benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic carcinoma: comparison with an age dependent rise in normal human males.

Abstract

ABSTRACT A method for the routine determination of plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) binding capacity is introduced. In normal males an age dependent increase in SHBG binding capacity from 2.85 × 10−8 m in the age range 22–44 years to 4.66 × 10−8 m in the age range 45–64 years was found. A higher mean value of 6.41 × 10−8 m was obtained in normal females, 20–40 years old, and still higher values were found in females taking oral contraceptives. Although in male groups with benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostatic carcinoma the mean ages were somewhat higher than in the older normal group, a further age dependent increase in SHBG binding capacity in these diseases could not be demonstrated. In fact the mean values found were slightly although not significantly lower at 4.07 and 3.89 × 10−8 m, respectively. As expected, oestrogen treatment of males with prostatic carcinoma produced higher values.