Levels Of Anabolic Hormones Research Articles

Association of chronic liver disease with bone diseases and muscle weakness.

The liver is a vital organ involved in nutrient metabolism, hormone regulation, immunity, cytokine production, and gut homeostasis. Impairment in liver function can result in malnutrition, chronic inflammation, decreased anabolic hormone levels, and dysbiosis. These conditions eventually cause an imbalance in osteoblast and osteoclast activities, resulting in bone loss. Osteoporosis is a frequent complication of chronic liver disease (CLD) that adversely affects quality of life and increases early mortality. Sarcopenia is another common complication of CLD characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Assessment criteria for sarcopenia specific to liver disease have been established, and sarcopenia has been reported to be associated with an increase in the risk of liver disease-related events and mortality in patients with CLD. Owing to their similar risk factors and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, osteoporosis and sarcopenia often coexist (termed osteosarcopenia), progress in parallel, and further exacerbate the conditions mentioned above. Therefore, comprehensive management of these musculoskeletal disorders is imperative. This review summarizes the clinical implications and characteristics of osteoporosis, extending to sarcopenia and osteosarcopenia, in patients with CLD caused by different etiologies.

The treatment of chronic anemia in heart failure: a global approach.

Chronic anemia is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Restoring physiological hemoglobin (Hb) levels is essential to increase oxygen transport capacity to tissues and improve cell metabolism as well as physical and cardiac performance. Nutritional deficits and iron deficiency are the major causes of chronic anemia, but other etiologies include chronic kidney disease, inflammatory processes, and unexplained anemia. Hormonal therapy, including erythropoietin (EPO) and anabolic treatment in chronic anemia HF patients, may contribute to improving Hb levels and clinical outcomes. Although preliminary studies showed a beneficial effect of EPO therapy on cardiac efficiency and in HF, more recent studies have not confirmed this positive impact of EPO, alluding to its side effect profile. Physical exercise significantly increases Hb levels and the response of anemia to treatment. In malnourished patients and chronic inflammatory processes, low levels of anabolic hormones, such as testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-1, contribute to the development of chronic anemia. This paper aims to review the effect of nutrition, EPO, anabolic hormones, standard HF treatments, and exercise as regulatory mechanisms of chronic anemia and their cardiovascular consequences in patients with HF.

Associations of serum 25(OH)D levels with physical performance and anabolic hormones in young men.

Purpose: The present study examined the association of vitamin D measured by serum 25(OH)D with physical performance outcomes and serum levels of anabolic hormones in young men. Methods: 412 young men (age 19 ± 1year) entering their compulsory military service volunteered to participate in the study. The study consisted of two groups from two different military bases: Group A was studied in January and group B in July. The groups were first compared with each other and due to statistically significant (p < 0.001 analyzed with independent samples t-test) differences in physical condition (sit-up, push-up, and standing long jump-tests and testosterone levels) between the groups, groups were analyzed separately. The serum levels of 25(OH)D, testosterone (TES), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Physical performance tests consisted of muscular fitness (sit-ups, push-ups, standing long jump) and aerobic fitness (12-minute-running) tests. The association of serum 25(OH)D with physical performance tests and anabolic hormones was analyzed using linear regression. Results: After controlling for the group, body mass index, and leisure-time physical activity, serum 25(OH)D level was positively associated with aerobic and muscular fitness (β = 0.15-0.20, all p < 0.05). Also, the participants with sufficient serum 25(OH)D levels (≥75nmol/L) had better aerobic and muscular fitness and higher TES in group B, and better upper extremity muscular fitness in group A (all p < 0.05). In group A, there were 166 participants with serum levels of 25(OH) D < 75nmol/L and 18 ≥ 75nmol/L. In group B, the amounts were 92 (<75nmol/L) and 136 (≥75nmol/L), respectively. Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with both aerobic and muscular fitness and those with sufficient vitamin D levels, had higher levels of TES. Thus, maintaining a sufficient serum 25(OH)D level may be beneficial for physical performance and anabolic state in young men.

Sleep and Anabolic/Catabolic Hormonal Profile in Sedentary Middle-Aged Adults: The FIT-AGEING Study

Sleep quality plays an important role in the modulation of several aging markers. This influence could be explained by aging-induced hormonal changes. Indeed, poor sleep quality has been associated with the development of several endocrine-related health complications. This study examined the relationship of both subjective and objective sleep quantity and quality, with basal levels of selected plasma anabolic and catabolic hormones in sedentary middle-aged adults. A total of 74 volunteers (52.7% women; aged 53.7 ± 5.1) were recruited for this study. Subjective sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; higher scores indicate worse sleep quality), and objective sleep quality parameters (total sleep time [TST], wake after sleep onset [WASO], and sleep efficiency [SE]) were measured using a wrist-worn accelerometer. Basal levels of plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), somatotropin, and cortisol levels, were determined. Free testosterone was calculated from the total testosterone and SHBG levels. No associations of global PSQI score, TST, WASO, and SE with DHEAS, free testosterone, and somatotropin plasma levels were found, neither in men nor in women (all p ≥ 0.05). Global PSQI score was inversely related to cortisol plasma levels in women (p = 0.043). WASO was positively associated with cortisol plasma levels, while SE was negatively associated with cortisol plasma levels in women (all p ≤ 0.027). Sleep quality is not related to levels of plasma anabolic hormones, but to levels of catabolic hormones, in sedentary middle-aged adults. Therefore, these results suggest that potential changes in aging biomarkers associated with sleep disturbances, could be mediated by age-related changes in the catabolic endocrine system.

Do Hormonal Disorders Contribute to the Pathology of Hereditary Angioedema?

Objective: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of angioedema without urticaria or pruritus. In this study, we compared the levels of anabolic hormones, such as insulin, insulin-like growth factor, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH], triiodothyronine [T3], and thyroxine [T4]), and the levels of hormones that are considered catabolic, such as adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, between HAE patients and controls. We also discuss the contribution of these hormones to the pathophysiology of HAE.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: The study included 18 patients (9 diagnosed with HAE type 1 and 9 with HAE type 2) who were followed in the immunology and allergy clinic between January 2013 and January 2020. The control group comprised 28 age- and gender-matched subjects.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The HAE type 1, HAE type 2, and control groups showed no significant differences in insulin, insulin-like growth factor, ACTH, cortisol, TSH, or T4 levels. The C-peptide and T3 levels were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.011 and p = 0.027, respectively) (Table 3). Post-hoc pairwise comparison revealed no significant difference in C-peptide level among the groups, but a significant difference in the T3 level was detected between HAE type 1 patients and controls (p = 0.029)&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions: Although no significant differences were observed in other anabolic hormone levels between the controls and HAE patients, T3 levels were significantly lower in type 1 HAE patients. Close monitoring of low T3 levels is required, particularly in patients with type 1 HAE.

Relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and testosterone levels in male master athletes and non-athletes.

Aging is often associated with low-grade systemic inflammation and reduced anabolic hormone levels. To investigate whether lifelong exercise training can decrease the age-related low-grade inflammation and anabolic hormone levels, we examined hormonal and inflammatory parameters among highly-trained male masters athletes and age-matched non-athletes. From 70 elite power and endurance master athletes - EMA (51.3±8.0yr), 32 young controls - YC (23.7±3.9yr) and 24 untrained age-matched controls - MAC (47.2±8.0yr) venous blood was drawn to measure inflammatory parameters (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin-10 [IL-10]) and circulating hormones (luteinizing hormone [LH], total testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG] and free androgen index [FAI]). EMA showed a better anti-inflammatory status than MAC (higher IL-10 and IL-10/IL-6 ratio and lower IL-6), but a lower anti-inflammatory status than YC (higher TNF-α) (p<0.05). The MAC group had lower testosterone levels compared to the YC and EMA group (p<0.05), and lower estradiol levels and testosterone/LH ratio compared to YC (p<0.05). In the control groups (MAC and YC), testosterone correlated negatively with age and proinflammatory parameters, and positively with anti-inflammatory parameters. Elite master athletics elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines above that seen in non-athlete peers and mitigated the age-related reduction in testosterone levels.

Oral Contraceptive Use Impairs Muscle Gains in Young Women

Riechman, SE and Lee, CW. Oral contraceptive use impairs muscle gains in young women. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3074-3080, 2022-Many active young women use oral contraceptives (OCs), yet their effects on the body composition and exercise performance have not been thoroughly studied. We examined the effects of OCs on muscle responses to a standardized resistance exercise training (RET) program. Two groups of young healthy women (18-29 years old, non-OC: n = 38, OC: n = 34) underwent 10 weeks of whole-body RET (3 days·wk -1 , 3 sets, 6-10 repetitions, at 75% of maximum strength, 13 exercises). Body composition was determined using hydrostatic weighing, and blood samples were taken before and after training to measure dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), IGF-1, and cortisol levels. There were significant differences in lean mass gains between the groups (non-OC: 3.5 ± 0.4% vs. OC: 2.1 ± 0.5% and non-OC: 1.6 ± 0.2 kg vs. OC: 1.0 ± 0.2 kg, p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of DHEA, DHEAS, and IGF-1 were significantly lower, and cortisol levels were higher in the OC group before and after training ( p < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences in lean mass gains depending on the androgenicity of progestin between the non-OC and medium-high groups (non-OC: 1.6 ± 0.2 kg, Low = 1.1 ± 0.2 kg, med-high = 0.3 ± 0.5 kg, p < 0.05). Oral contraceptive use impaired lean mass gains in young women after RET and was associated with lower DHEA, DHEAS, and IGF-1 and higher cortisol. The diminished lean mass gain may be related to the effect of OCs on anabolic and catabolic hormone levels or the androgenicity of progestin that may bind to androgen receptors and inhibit its function.

Can conditions of skeletal muscle loss be improved by combining exercise with anabolic-androgenic steroids? A systematic review and meta-analysis of testosterone-based interventions.

Sarcopenia, cachexia, and atrophy due to inactivity and disease states are characterized by a loss of skeletal muscle mass, often accompanied by reduced levels of anabolic hormones (e.g. testosterone). These conditions are associated with an increase in mortality, hospitalization and worsening in quality of life. Both physical exercise (EX) and anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) administration can improve the prognosis of patients as they increase physical functionality. However, there is a gap in the literature as to the impact of these therapies on the gains in strength and muscle mass and their implications for patient safety. Accordingly, we performed a random-effects meta-analysis to elucidate the effects of AAS and/or EX interventions on lean body mass (LBM) and muscle strength in conditions involving muscle loss. A systematic search for relevant clinical trials was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. Comparisons included AAS vs. Control, EX vs. Control, AAS vs. EX, AAS + EX vs. AAS and AAS + EX vs. EX. A total of 1114 individuals were analyzed. AAS increased LBM (effect size [ES]: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.68, P = 0.00) and muscle strength (ES: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.53, P = 0.01) when compared to a control group. EX promoted an increase in muscular strength (ES: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.53, 1.25, P = 0.00), with no effect on LBM when compared to the control group (ES: 0.15; 95% CI: -0.07, 0.38, P = 0.17). AAS did not demonstrate statistically significant differences when compared to EX for LBM and muscle strength. The combination of EX + AAS promoted a greater increase in LBM and muscular strength when compared to AAS or EX in isolation. Qualitatively, AAS administration had relatively few side effects. Significant heterogeneity was found in some analyses, which may be explained by the use of different AAS types and EX protocols. Our findings suggest that AAS administration in cachectic and sarcopenic conditions may be a viable interventional strategy to enhance muscle function when exercise is not a possible approach. Moreover, combining AAS with exercise may enhance positive outcomes in this population.

Functional state of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis in healthy men with various adaptation potential.

The characterization of the functioning of the blood circulatory system of the organism in terms of its ability to adapt to environmental conditions includes the definition of adaptive potential (AP). The purpose of the study is to supplement the idea of adaptive potential in the aspect of its association with indicators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal system in healthy men living in the climatic conditions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The study involved 94 apparently healthy men. Serum hormone levels of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal system were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Percent of men with satisfactory adaptation was 67%. Markers of increased tension in adaptive mechanisms include a decrease in values of testosterone, sex hormone -binding globulin, and testosterone / estradiol ratio. It has been shown that in individuals with a 4-th degree of adaptive potential, the activity of the pituitary-gonadal and the pituitary-adrenal cortex systems participating in the maintenance of the circulatory system is suppressed. That may be associated with a decrease in the reserves of hormone synthesis in these systems. An increase in the tension of the adaptive mechanisms of the circulatory system occurs with a decrease in the levels of anabolic hormones and a simultaneous increase in the level of estradiol as a compensatory reaction to maintain the function of the cardiovascular system. It is established that when moving northward beyond the border of the Arctic Circle an increase in the tension of the adaptive mechanisms of the circulatory system is noted for men living in extreme climatic conditions. The results of the study show a negative correlation of adaptive potential with the values of testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin and the testosterone / estradiol ratio. The tension of the adaptive mechanisms of the blood circulatory system occurs with decreased sex hormones levels, which can be considered as a marker of disadaptation changes amid the risk of the ecological well-being of the population.

Relationship of Anabolic Hormones With Motor Unit Characteristics in Quadriceps Muscle in Healthy and Frail Aging Men.

Anabolic hormones are important factors in maintaining muscle mass for aging men, but their role in overall motor unit structure and function is unclear. The objective of this work is to determine associations of anabolic and reproductive hormone levels with motor unit characteristics in quadriceps muscle in older healthy and frail men. This work is an observational cohort study of community-dwelling men. Participants included healthy and frail men younger than 65 years. No intervention was performed. Quantitative assessments of electromyography-derived motor unit potential size (MUP) and compound muscle action potential size (CMAP) of the vastus lateralis muscle. We studied 98 men (mean ± SD: age 73 ± 6 years; body mass index [BMI] 25.7 ± 4.0 kg/m2; diabetes 11%) of whom 45% were prefrail and 18% frail. After adjusting for age, BMI, and prevalent diabetes, higher total and free testosterone levels were significantly related to larger CMAP (total testosterone: β [95% CI]: 0.3 [0.08-0.53]; free testosterone: 0.34 [0.13-0.56]). Exploratory analysis showed the relationship between free testosterone and CMAP was stronger in frail rather than robust men. In univariate analyses, estradiol was associated with CMAP size (0.37 [0.16-0.57]); and vitamin D was associated with MUP size (0.22 [0.01-0.43]) but these relationships were no longer significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Our data highlight the associations between androgen levels and the electrophysiological characteristics of older men, particularly in the frail. Clinical trials involving administration of androgens will help to elucidate the potential benefits of intervention on neuromuscular function and/or frailty status.

Effects of vitamin D3 supplementation for 12 weeks on serum levels of anabolic hormones, anaerobic power, and aerobic performance in active male subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Maintenance of the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) concentration at recommended levels is essential due to its role in the regulation of anabolic hormones and athletic performance. However, the results of the clinical experiments in athletes are controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 supplement on serum levels of anabolic hormones, cortisol, anaerobic and aerobic performance in active males. In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 46 active males randomly assigned to vitamin D3 supplement (VDS; 2000 IU/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. The Wingate test, VO2max, and serum levels of 25-OH-D, Parathyroid hormone (PTH), total testosterone, growth hormone (GH), Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and cortisol were assessed. Subjects in the VDS group had a higher serum level of 25-OH-D (p = 0.004), VO2max (p = 0.016), and average power (p = 0.044) compared to the placebo at the end of the study. Also, lower levels of PTH (p = 0.004) and fatigue index (p < 0.001) were observed in VDS group at the end of the study. The serum cortisol levels were reduced significantly only in subjects with vitamin D deficiency in VDS group (p = 0.042). There was a significant reduction in serum testosterone levels in VDS group (p = 0.013). No change was indicated in serum levels of GH and IGF-1 in VDS group compared to the placebo (p > 0.05). The present study showed an improvement in aerobic capacity, anaerobic performance, and vitamin D status following vitamin D3 supplementation. However, more studies are required for the effect of vitamin D3 on serum concentration of anabolic hormones.

The Effect of Magnesium, Zinc, and Selenium, Used Alone or in Combination, on Strength and Anabolic Hormone Levels in Rats

BackgroundMagnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) are essential minerals that play an important role in the production of anabolic hormones that are vital for male sexual function, fertility, strength, and athletic performance. Deficiency in these minerals is associated with a decline in levels of anabolic hormones, such as testosterone and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1). Testosterone levels also begin to decline in most men after age 30, which may contribute to various adverse conditions including diabetes, reduced bone and muscle mass, impaired sexual function, and decreased energy.PurposeThis study investigated the effect of Mg‐N21 (a novel magnesium complex), zinc picolinate (ZnPic), and selenomethionine (SeMet) on hormone levels, mineral absorption, and strength in rats fed a high‐fat diet.MethodsForty‐two male Wistar rats (age: 8 weeks, weight: 180 ± 20 g) were divided into six groups as follows: 1) Control (no treatment), 2) HFD‐Control (fed a high‐fat diet), 3) HFD+Mg‐N21 (58.44 mg elemental Mg/kg diet, a 100 mg human equivalent dose (HED)), 4) HFD+ZnPic (17.53 mg elemental Zn/kg diet, a 30 mg HED), 5) HFD+SeMet (58.44 μg elemental Se/kg diet, a 0.1 mg HED), 6) HFD+Mg‐N21+ZnPic+SeMet (MZS). All treatments were administered daily as an oral supplement for 8 weeks. Muscle strength was assessed using a grip strength meter. After 8 weeks, rats were sacrificed, and serum and tissue samples were obtained for analysis.ResultsResults showed that serum testosterone levels were highest in the MZS group compared to all other treatment groups (Figure 1; p&lt;0.05). Compared to the HFD‐Control group, testosterone levels were 105% higher in the MZS group. Serum levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) were highest in the MZS group compared to all other treatment groups (p&lt;0.05). Zinc, magnesium, and selenium absorption, retention, and levels (serum, liver, and brain) were significantly higher in the MZS group compared to the HFD‐Control group (p&lt;0.05). Zinc absorption and retention, and selenium retention were significantly higher when rats were given MZS compared to the individual nutrients alone (p&lt;0.05). Grip strength and the grip strength to body weight (GS/BW) ratio were significantly higher in the MZS group compared to all treatment groups (p&lt;0.05) but did not differ from the HFD+Mg‐N21 group. In the MZS group, grip strength and the GS/BW ratio increased by 58% and 68% respectively, over the HFD‐Control group (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this preclinical study demonstrate that the combination of Mg‐N21, zinc picolinate, and selenomethionine is more beneficial than the individual ingredients alone in raising anabolic hormone levels and muscle strength. These results may be of interest to aging men, since anabolic hormone levels decline with age, as well as men of all ages looking to raise anabolic hormone levels to benefit sexual function, strength, and energy.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by Nutrition 21, LLC.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The acute inflammatory response after trauma is heightened by frailty: A prospective evaluation of inflammatory and endocrine system alterations in frailty.

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by decreased physiological reserves, increased inflammation, and decreased anabolic-endocrine response. The biomarkers associated with frailty are poorly understood in trauma. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between frailty and immune: IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2Rα, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and endocrine biomarkers: insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormone in trauma patients. We conducted a 1-year (2017-2018) prospective analysis of geriatric (≥65 years) trauma patients admitted to our Level I trauma center. Frailty was measured using the trauma-specific frailty index (TSFI) and blood samples were collected within 24 hours of admission. Patients were stratified into two groups: frail (TSFI > 0.25) and nonfrail (TSFI ≤ 0.25). We then measured the levels of immune and endocrine biomarkers by a colorimetric output that was read by a spectrophotometer (Quantikine ELISA). The outcome measures were the levels of the immune and endocrine markers in the two groups. Multivariable linear regression was performed. A total of 100 geriatric trauma patients were consented and enrolled. The mean age was 77.1 ± 9.8 years and 34% were female. Thirty-nine (39%) patients were frail. Frail patients were more likely to present after falls (p = 0.01). There was no difference in age (p = 0.78), sex (p = 0.77), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.16), and heart rate (p = 0.24) between the two groups. Frail patients had higher levels of TNF-α (p = 0.01), IL-1β (p = 0.01), and IL-6(p = 0.01) but lower levels of growth hormone (p = 0.03) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (p < 0.04) compared with nonfrail patients. There was no difference in the level of IL-2Rα (p = 0.25). On regression analysis, frailty was positively correlated with the levels of proinflammatory biomarkers, that is, TNF- α, IL-1 β, and IL-6 and negatively correlated with endocrine biomarkers. This study supports the association between frailty and immune and endocrine markers. Frailty acts synergistically with trauma in increasing the acute inflammatory response. Moreover, frail patients have lower levels of anabolic hormones. Understanding the inflammatory and endocrine response in frail trauma patients may result in better therapeutic strategies.

Z-505 hydrochloride, an orally active ghrelin agonist, attenuates the progression of cancer cachexia via anabolic hormones in Colon 26 tumor-bearing mice

Cancer cachexia is a progressive wasting syndrome characterized by anorexia and weight loss, specifically muscle wasting and fat depletion. There is no therapeutic agent for treatment of this syndrome. We investigated the anti-cachexia effects of Z-505 hydrochloride (Z-505), a new oral growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a) agonist, using a mouse model of cancer cachexia. We performed a calcium flux assay in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells stably expressing human GHSR1a to quantify the agonistic activity of Z-505. In Colon 26 tumor-bearing mice, Z-505 (300mg/kg, p.o., twice daily) was administered for 7 days to assess its anti-cachexia effects. Body weight and food intake were monitored during the period, and the skeletal muscle and epididymal fat weights were measured. Serum levels of insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and corticosterone were measured to confirm the mechanism of the anti-cachexia action of Z-505. Z-505 showed strong agonistic activity similar to that of human ghrelin, with a half maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of 0.45nM. Z-505 treatment significantly increased food intake and inhibited the progression of weight loss. Z-505 also significantly attenuated muscle wasting and fat loss, and increased circulating levels of anabolic factors such as insulin and IGF-1, but not catabolic factors such as IL-6 and corticosterone. These findings suggest that Z-505 might be effective in the treatment of cachexia via the increased anabolic hormone levels stimulated by the activation of the ghrelin receptor, GHSR1a.

Nonandrogenic Anabolic Hormones Predict Risk of Frailty: European Male Ageing Study Prospective Data.

Context:Low levels of nonandrogenic anabolic hormones have been linked with frailty, but evidence is conflicting and prospective data are largely lacking.Objective:To determine associations between nonandrogenic anabolic hormones and prospective changes in frailty status.Design/Setting:A 4.3-year prospective observational study of community-dwelling men participating in the European Male Ageing Study.Participants:Men (n = 3369) aged 40 to 79 years from eight European centers.Main Outcome Measures:Frailty status was determined using frailty phenotype (FP; n = 2114) and frailty index (FI; n = 2444).Analysis:Regression models assessed relationships between baseline levels of insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1), its binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), and parathyroid hormone (PTH), with changes in frailty status (worsening or improving frailty).Results:The risk of worsening FP and FI decreased with 1 standard deviation higher IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and 25OHD in models adjusted for age, body mass index, center, and baseline frailty [IGF-1: odds ratio (OR) for worsening FP, 0.82 (0.73, 0.93), percentage change in FI, −3.7% (−6.0, −1.5); IGFBP-3: 0.84 (0.75, 0.95), −4.2% (−6.4, −2.0); 25OHD: 0.84 (0.75, 0.95); −4.4%, (−6.7, −2.0)]. Relationships between IGF-1 and FI were attenuated after adjusting for IGFBP-3. Higher DHEA-S was associated with a lower risk of worsening FP only in men >70 years old [OR, 0.57 (0.35, 0.92)]. PTH was unrelated to change in frailty status.Conclusions:These longitudinal data confirm the associations between nonandrogenic anabolic hormones and the changes in frailty status. Interventional studies are needed to establish causality and determine therapeutic implications.

Effects Of D-aspartate And ZMA Supplementation On Serum Hormones In Rats

PURPOSE: Both D-aspartate (DAA) and a commercial supplement containing zinc magnesium aspartate (ZMA) have been proposed to enhance anabolic hormonal profiles and reduce catabolism in human by two distinct mechanisms. However, whether the combination of DAA and ZMA has an additive effect on the release of the anabolic hormones is not known. METHODS:Four groups of 10 rats each drank a solution containing 104 mg DAA (DASP), 77 mg ZMA, 104 mg DAA and 77 mg ZMA (MIX) or a placebo (PLA) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from carotid arteries and analyzed for serum DAA, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (ES), GnRH, D-aspartate oxidase (DDO), IGF-1, growth hormone (GH) and cortisol. DAA accumulation was determined in the pituitary, the pineal, the adrenal, the thyroid, and the testis. Data were analyzed using independent-samples t tests. RESULTS:DASP significantly increased the serum concentrations of TT (20.34±4.10 vs. 10.41±1.85 ng/ml, p=0.042) and GH (19.83±1.69 vs. 15.05±1.20 ng/ml, p=0.039) compared with PLA. Serum FT was increased in DASP but not significant (788.56±43.88 vs. 673.93±125.99 pg/ml, p=0.070). Compared with DASP, MIX significantly decreased serum FT (613.80±31.10 vs. 788.56±43.88 pg/ml, p=0.005), GH (13.68±1.10 vs. 19.83±1.69 ng/ml, p=0.007) and IGF-1 (180.94±16.50 vs. 246.01±19.96 ng/ml, p=0.023), with a trend to decrease serum TT (11.79±1.24 vs. 20.34±4.10 ng/ml, p=0.076), although ZMA alone did not have any apparent effects on them. DAA accumulation was not changed in all groups except that testicular DAA was increased in DASP (0.036±0.002 vs. 0.027±0.001 nmol/g tissue, p=0.001), and MIX further increased it (0.053±0.004 vs. 0.027±0.001 nmol/g tissue, p<0.001), compared with PLA. ZMA significantly decreased serum LH (8.64±0.56 vs. 11.18±1.10 ng/ml, p=0.047) and MIX further suppressed it (7.97±0.93 vs. 11.18±1.10 ng/ml, p=0.039), compared with PLA. Serum ES, GnRH, DDO and cortisol were unchanged with DAA and/or ZMA treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that DASP increased the accumulation of DAA in testis and has potential to stimulate the release of TT, FT and GH in rats. ZMA did not appear to affect serum anabolic hormone levels. On the contrary, the combination of ZMA and DASP suppressed the anabolic effects of DASP in rats.

Early Life Events can Shape Aging and Longevity

There is increasing evidence that nutritional and hormonal signals during development can influence longevity. It was reported that mice subjected to mild calorie restriction only during the preweaning period live longer than control animals. In long-lived hypopituitary dwarf mice, longevity can be reduced by growth hormone replacement therapy during pre- and peri-pubertal period. These findings suggest that trajectory of aging is importantly influenced by the availability of nutrients and the levels of anabolic hormones during development.

Mail-Based Intervention for Sarcopenia Prevention Increased Anabolic Hormone and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults: The INE (Intervention by Nutrition and Exercise) Study

ObjectiveThe aim of the Intervention by Nutrition and Exercise (INE) study was to investigate the effects of a mail-based intervention for sarcopenia prevention on muscle mass and anabolic hormones in community-dwelling older adults. DesignA cluster-randomized controlled trial. Setting and ParticipantsThis trial recruited community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older in Japan. The 227 participants were cluster randomized into a walking and nutrition (W/N) group (n = 79), a walking (W) group (n = 71), and a control (C) group (n = 77). We analyzed the physical and biochemical measurements in this substudy. InterventionSix months of mail-based intervention (a pedometer-based walking program and nutritional supplementation). MeasurementsThe skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) using the bioelectrical impedance data acquisition system, biochemical measurements, such as those of insulinlike growth factor (IGF-1), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D), as well as frailty, were assessed by the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria. ResultsParticipants in the W/N and W groups had significantly greater improvements in SMI, IGF-1, and 25(OH)D (P < .05) than those in the C group. Participants in the W/N group had significantly greater improvements in DHEA-S (P < .05) than in the other groups. These effects were more pronounced in frail, older adults. ConclusionThese results suggest that the mail-based walking intervention of the remote monitoring type for sarcopenia prevention can increase anabolic hormone levels and SMI in community-dwelling older adults, particularly in those who are frail.

The Choice of Sports Nutrition Tonics for Weight Lifters

The study selected sports tonics which can increase levels of anabolic hormones, promote synthesis of the protein in weightlifters' bodies, improve proportion of energize of phosphagen system in weightlifting exercise. A theoretical analysis of the biological function for the sports tonics that weight lifters selected are carried. Results indicate that heme iron, lycopene and chromium and zinc (Zn) can be used as sports tonics for weight lifters, at the same time the effect will be better if several supplements being taken together. For weightlifters a comprehensive nutritional supplement can help the supplements play a complementary role and accelerate recovery and improvement in body function for the players during the strength training and competition.

The effects of testosterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 on motor system form and function

In this perspective article, we review the effects of selected anabolic hormones on the motoric system and speculate on the role these hormones may have on influencing muscle and physical function via their impact on the nervous system. Both muscle strength and anabolic hormone levels decline around middle age into old age over a similar time period, and several animal and human studies indicate that exogenously increasing anabolic hormones (e.g., testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)) in aged subjects is positively associated with improved muscle strength. While most studies in humans have focused on the effects of anabolic hormones on muscle growth, few have considered the impact these hormones have on the motoric system. However, data from animals demonstrate that administering either testosterone or IGF-1 to cells of the central and peripheral motor system can increase cell excitability, attenuate atrophic changes, and improve regenerative capacity of motor neurons. While these studies do not directly indicate that changes in anabolic hormones contribute to reduced human performance in the elderly (e.g., muscle weakness and physical limitations), they do suggest that additional research is warranted along these lines.