Role of sex hormone-binding globulin in the relationship between sex hormones and antisocial and aggressive personality in inmates

Abstract

Plasma total testosterone (TT), free bioavailable testosterone (BT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHGB), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were analysed in a sample of 89 inmates. Also, the tendency towards an Antisocial Personality Disorder (AAPS) and Aggressiveness (based on an index containing three scales of the Buss–Durkee Hostility Inventory; BDHI) was assessed. Results showed strong correlations between SHBG, total testosterone and free bioavailable testosterone. SHBG and total testosterone correlated with Aggressiveness (0.39 and 0.29, respectively), though the latter turned out not to be significant when SHBG level was controlled. The group with a high probability of Antisocial Personality Disorder and the group with high scores in Aggressiveness obtained higher SHBG levels. Recidivists and subjects already sentenced presented higher concentrations of SHBG. No significant relation was found for the free bioavailable testosterone. It is argued that the relationship between testosterone and antisocial personality and aggressiveness is mediated by the role of SHBG. We conclude that subjects with a disinhibited life-style tend to abuse intoxicants affecting the production of SHBG in the liver. This effect is observed in healthy subjects and delinquents, but more strongly in the population of delinquents.