Variations des taux d’androgènes et de cortisol au cours de six saisons chez des footballeurs professionnels

Abstract

Aim. – Compare adrenocortical and testicular functions in professional football players and sedentary age-matched controls using androgens and cortisol determinations. Material and methods. – Sixteen footballers from the Olympique Lyonnais Team and 11 sedentary controls were studied between June 1989 and June 1990. For each subject, eight blood samples were collected during this year for measurement of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, delta-4-androstenedione and testosterone plasma levels. Furthermore, cortisol determinations were performed in the professional football players of Olympique Lyonnais during five more years, from 1995 to 2000. Results. – The plasma cortisol level was higher in the footballers compared to the controls. Cortisol circannual variations were noted and were the same in the two groups. In contrast, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, delta-4-androstenedione and testosterone levels were not statically different in football players and controls. These data indicate no appreciable change in the gonadotropic axis whereas the corticotropic axis was activated in professional footballers. The mechanisms underlying this activation of corticotropic axis were discussed.