Higher Serum Testosterone Levels Research Articles

Laparoscopic gastrostomy

The controversy surrounding the relationship between testosterone and prostate cancer has existed for decades. The literature surrounding this topic is confusing and at times contradictory. There is no level-one quality evidence that confirms or refutes the relationship between either high or low serum testosterone levels and the subsequent development of prostate cancer. This commentary aims to review the issues involved and to provide an interpretation as to the causes of the confusion and to provide a framework for ongoing discussion and investigation.A Medline and PubMed search was conducted using search terms: testosterone levels and prostate cancer to identify pertinent literature.There is no consistent evidence that a single testosterone level is predictive of prostate cancer risk.The development of prostate cancer is a complex biologic process potentially involving genetics,dietary, life style and hormonal factors. Serum testosterone levels do not accurately reflect the internal prostatic milieu. Finally, if testosterone levels are to be considered in the etiology of prostate cancer they should be measured and interpreted on a chronic basis with multiple measurements over a period of years.

Dominance and testosterone in women

Fifty-two young women completed the Simple Adjective Test (a questionnaire designed to measure dominance) and at the same time provided 5 ml blood for testosterone assay. Higher dominance scores were associated with higher serum testosterone levels ( t-test P<0.008).

A pilot study analyzing PSA, serum testosterone, lipid profile, body mass index and race in a small sample of patients with and without carcinoma of the prostate.

Androgens, diet, race and obesity are thought to play some roles in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. We wanted to evaluate if there were any inter-relationships between prostate specific antigen (PSA), serum testosterone, serum cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, body mass index (BMI) and race, in older patients with and without prostate cancer (CaP). We evaluated 308 patients referred to urologists in private practice offices and clinics with and without prostate cancer with regard to race, serum PSA, age, serum testosterone, full lipid profile, height and weight, and stage of cancer. We used multivariate analysis, Fisher's exact test and t-tests as well as logistic regression analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS computer software, and P-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Significantly higher levels of serum testosterone were found in black men with CaP than black men without CaP (526+/-28 vs 404+/-19, respectively.) We also found significantly higher levels of serum testosterone in white men with CaP than white men without CaP (409+/-20 vs 302+/-14, respectively, P<0.05). HDL was higher in black men than white men, and triglycerides were higher in white men than black men. Cholesterol was similar across all groups, but BMI was highest in white men with CaP. We also found a significant association between BMI and pathological stage of prostate cancer patients among both black and white men (P<0.05). Our study demonstrated that black men who developed CaP had higher serum testosterone levels, on average, than white men who developed CaP. Furthermore, BMI was highest in white men developing CaP compared to black men, but we found a significant association between pathological stage and BMI in both black and white patients. Although it is controversial whether obesity is considered to be a risk factor for prostate cancer, this small pilot study suggests that BMI may play a role in the progression of the disease once it is established.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2001) 4, 101-105

Relationships among serum testosterone levels, body fat and muscle mass distribution in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

We investigated the relationships among serum testosterone levels, body fat and muscle mass distribution in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Subjects were 67 women with PCOS (mean age +/- standard deviation, 28.8 +/- 6.6 years). Baseline characteristics included age and height. Trunk-leg fat ratio and trunk-leg muscle ratio were assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were measured with radioimmunoassays. Relationships among serum testosterone levels, body fat and muscle mass distribution were investigated using Pearson and partial correlation tests. Serum testosterone levels were positively correlated with trunk-leg fat ratio (r = 0.398, P < 0.01), but were inversely correlated with trunk-leg muscle ratio (r = -0.332, P < 0.05). Trunk-leg muscle ratio was inversely correlated with trunk-leg fat ratio (r = -0.360, P < 0.01). Serum testosterone levels were still correlated with trunk-leg fat ratio (r = 0.500, P < 0.001) and trunk-leg muscle ratio (r = -0.286, P < 0.05), after adjusting for age and height. Trunk-leg fat ratio was still correlated with trunk-leg muscle ratio, after adjusting for age, height, and serum testosterone levels. Based on these results, we concluded that higher serum testosterone levels may contribute to the upper body fat distribution and peripheral muscle mass distribution. In addition, peripheral muscle mass distribution may also contribute to the upper body fat distribution.

Serum testosterone levels in African-American and white men undergoing prostate biopsy

Objectives. Because androgen levels are known to influence prostate growth, we performed a prospective analysis of serum testosterone levels in all African-American and white men who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies to evaluate an abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level greater than 4 ng/mL. Methods. From June 1996 through July 1998, we evaluated 453 men (189 African-American and 264 white men) who underwent prostate needle biopsy because of an abnormal DRE or serum PSA greater than 4 ng/mL, or both. All men had morning serum testosterone levels determined just before undergoing prostate needle biopsy. Serum testosterone levels were compared on the basis of the prostate biopsy result (positive or negative for prostate cancer) and by race. Results. A total of 453 men underwent prostate biopsy and had morning serum testosterone levels available for comparison. Of the 264 white men who underwent biopsy, 88 (33%) were found to have prostate cancer compared with 67 (35%) of 189 African-American men who underwent biopsy. In the white men without cancer, the mean serum testosterone level was 380.19 ng/dL; those with prostate cancer had a mean serum testosterone level of 419.52 ng/dL. The mean serum testosterone level in African-American men without cancer was 424.30 ng/dL; it was 386.55 ng/dL in those with prostate cancer. There was no statistical difference in serum testosterone levels based on biopsy result or race. Conclusions. Although several studies have suggested that African-American men have higher serum testosterone levels than white men, these differences were noted only in men 40 years of age or younger. As was noted in our study, after age 40, African-American and white men have comparable serum testosterone levels. In addition, although prostate growth is androgen dependent, we found no difference in serum testosterone levels in men with and without prostate cancer.

Limbic seizures alter reproductive function in the female rat.

Reproductive dysfunction and endocrine disorders are common among women with temporal lobe epilepsy. This study used the kindled rat model to test the hypothesis that limbic seizures directly contribute to reproductive dysfunction. Kindling electrodes were implanted in the basolateral amygdala in adult female rats. Females were kindled by either brief, daily, suprathreshold stimulations with a bipolar electrode or sham-kindled (controls). Electrographic and behavioral seizures were monitored. Estrous cycles also were monitored with daily vaginal smears. Seizures arrested ovarian cyclicity in all (n = 42) kindled animals, the rats exhibiting persistent vaginal cornification (PVC). In these animals PVC was associated with high serum estradiol, increased pituitary weight, and polyfollicular ovaries consisting of many cystic follicles, as well as follicles in various stages of growth and atresia. In 93% of females, this effect occurred after the development of stage 5 motor seizures, when focal seizures had secondarily generalized. In contrast, only five (21%) of 24 sham-kindled controls exhibited PVC. A single injection of progesterone (P4) temporarily restored cyclicity in five (18%) of 28 kindled females exhibiting PVC. In contrast, P4 administration restored cyclicity in all five sham-kindled controls that had spontaneously stopped cycling. P4 treatment to kindled females in PVC resulted in a different endocrine profile than that in non-P4-treated, kindled rats in PVC. P4-treated rats had high serum estradiol, testosterone, and prolactin levels; they showed an increase in pituitary weight; and their ovaries contained numerous corpora lutea and cystic follicles surrounded by markedly overdeveloped thecal cell layers. Seizures initiated in the amygdala result in impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, resulting in loss of ovarian cyclicity.

Serum testosterone levels, mental disorders and criminal behaviour.

Although previous studies have revealed an association between androgens and aggression, there is a lack of knowledge of this issue in different mental disorders. The associations between serum testosterone levels and criminal behaviour in different mental disorders were examined using data collected from forensic psychiatric male patients (20 schizophrenics and 42 subjects with personality disorders). Male criminals with personality disorders had significantly higher serum levels of total and free testosterone than criminal schizophrenics. Among schizophrenics, total (P=0.01) and free testosterone (P=0.01) declined significantly more with age compared to healthy controls and patients with personality disorders, and also correlated with duration of neuroleptic drug use (r=-0.60, P=0.000 for total and r=-0.46, P=0.0001 for free testosterone). The recidivists with personality disorder had higher total (P=0.04) and free testosterone (P=0.05) levels than non-recidivists with personality disorder. Personality disordered criminals with multiple offences had high serum testosterone levels. The low testosterone concentrations among schizophrenics may be due either to long-term use of neuroleptic agents or to the mental illness itself and its possible inhibition of the pituitary-gonadal axis.

Sexual dimorphism in the neonatal gonad.

The neonatal gonad has two distinct forms (i.e., is sexually dimorphic), as judged by morphological and endocrine characteristics. The dimorphic process begins early in embryogenesis. It is well established by the time of birth, by which time the genital ridge has developed into either a testis or an ovary. The mechanisms involved in sex determination involve the Y chromosome, autosomal genes, transcription factors and possibly other unidentified control networks. This review paper describes the morphological changes that occur and the endocrine functions in the developing gonads. It highlights a number of important differences in fetal and neonatal gonadal function. The testis has early histological definition, several determining genes, delayed germ cell maturation, early autonomous steroid secretion, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and steroid enzyme expression, high fetal testicular testosterone content, prominent postnatal Leydig and Sertoli cells and high postnatal serum testosterone levels. The ovary has a prolonged monomorphic state, probably one determining gene, germ cells in early meiotic arrest, delayed expression of LH receptor and aromatase, low ovarian oestradiol content, prominent postnatal follicles and low postnatal serum oestradiol levels.

Adrenal androgenic response to 2-hour ACTH stimulation test in women with PCOS

Adrenal function may be abnormal in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aims to evaluate adrenal steroid response to the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and to find out the effect of high serum testosterone levels on adrenal response. We have also investigated any subtle enzyme deficiency by extending blood sampling to 2 h with 30 min intervals following ACTH administration. Twenty-eight women with PCOS and 18 healthy controls without hirsutism and oligomenorrhea were included in the study. After determining their serum basal levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), and progesterone, ACTH stimulation test was performed. The change in serum 17-OHP and the summed rate of change in serum 17-OHP and progesterone levels were estimated and 95th percentile for each value was computed. Women with PCOS were heavier and more hirsute than controls (p < 0.01 p < 0.001 respectively). Serum basal LH, LH : FSH ratio, testosterone (p < 0.001 for all), DHEAS (p < 0.01) and 17-OHP (p < 0.05) were higher in women with PCOS. All of the 17-OHP measurements, including basal and each 30 min interval after the administration of ACTH, were higher in women with PCOS than those of healthy controls (p < 0.05 p< 0.002 p< 0.001 p< 0.015 p< 0.018 respectively). However, the incremental changes in serum 17-OHP30-0 17-OHP60-0 17-OHP90-0 17-OHP120-0 and the summed rate of change in serum 17-OHP and progesterone in women with PCOS were not different from those in healthy controls. The incremental response in terms of serum progesterone, DHEAS, and testosterone levels to the ACTH stimulation test for each 30 min interval was not different in women with PCOS than in healthy controls. We were not able to show any critical value for serum basal testosterone and DHEAS levels that would effect response to ACTH stimulation in terms of 17-OHP levels. We have concluded that extending the duration of blood sampling up to 2 h has no advantage in evaluating adrenal steroid response to ACTH stimulation. Since serum 17-OHP levels remain within normal limits in response to ACTH stimulation, the origin of elevated serum basal 17-OHP levels may be polycystic ovaries. Elevated serum testosterone level does not have any adverse effect on adrenal function. Serum progesterone measurement seems to have no place in the diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Adrenal androgenic response to ACTH stimulation is normal in women with PCOS.

Regulation of Mouse Liver Flavin-Containing Monooxygenases 1 and 3 by Sex Steroids

Based on enzyme activity, protein levels, and mRNA levels, we have previously demonstrated the female-predominant, female-specific, and gender-independent expression in mouse liver of FMO forms 1, 3, and 5, respectively. This study investigated the roles of testosterone, 17 β-estradiol, and progesterone in the regulation of hepatic FMOs. FMO expression was examined in gonadectomized CD-1 mice, normal CD-1 mice receiving hormonal implants, and gonadectomized mice receiving various hormonal treatments. Following castration of males, hepatic FMO activity levels were significantly increased and serum testosterone levels significantly decreased; however, administration of physiological levels of testosterone to castrated animals returned FMO activity and testosterone concentrations to control levels. When sexually intact and ovariectomized female mice were treated with testosterone, their hepatic FMO activity levels were reduced to those of their male counterparts, concomitant with high serum testosterone levels. In males, castration dramatically increased FMO3 and FMO1 expression, and testosterone replacement to castrated males resulted in ablation of FMO3 expression. In addition, testosterone administration to females (sexually intact and gonadectomized animals) reduced FMO1 expression and obviated FMO3 expression. In females, ovariectomy alone slightly reduced FMO activity, indicative of a possible stimulatory role of female sex steroids; however, female FMO isozyme expression was relatively unchanged, and hormone replacement therapy to ovariectomized females had no discernible effect. In males and females, FMO5 levels were unaffected by gonadectomy or hormone administration, thus indicating a sex hormone-independent mechanism of regulation for this isoform. Interestingly, FMO1 protein levels were increased in sexually intact males following treatment with 17 β-estradiol; however, only a slight increase in FMO3 protein level was observed. No positive hormone effectors of female FMO expression were identified.

Development of a Time-Resolved Fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) for Testosterone: Measurement of Serum Testosterone Concentrations after Testosterone Treatment in the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A sensitive time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) for testosterone was developed, and the assay system was used for measuring serum testosterone concentrations in rainbow trout. Testosterone-3-(O-carboxymethyl)oxime-bovine serum albumin (T-3-CMO–BSA) was immobilized by physical adsorption to the wells of microtiter plates. A competitive assay using two antibodies was performed among T-3-CMO–BSA in the solid-phase, unknown amounts of testosterone, testosterone antibodies, and europium labeled secondary antibodies, followed by measurements using a time-resolved fluorometer (DELFIA system). The TR-FIA had a sensitivity of 0.075 pg/50 μl sample (1.5 pg/ml), and the range of the assay system was between 1.5 pg/ml and 25 ng/ml. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation for the testosterone TR-FIA were satisfactorily low, and were between 1.62 and 6.38% and 2.96 and 8.29%, respectively. The assay system was applied to measure the serum testosterone concentrations after an injection of testosterone dissolved in saline, propyleneglycol, or coconut oil. Among the three solvents, the coconut oil group showed continuously high serum testosterone levels. In contrast, the saline and propyleneglycol groups had maximum concentrations 24 hr after the injection, but their levels were significantly lower than that of the coconut oil group. The testosterone TR-FIA method is sensitive, repeatable, and is as accurate as conventional RIAs. It is very good for measuring serum testosterone concentrations.

Erythropoietin and sexual dysfunction.

Erythropoietin (rHuEpo) therapy has been shown to improve sexual function in the male dialysis population, with several studies suggesting a direct effect upon endocrine function, as well as correction of anaemia. Nevertheless many male dialysis patients receiving rHuEpo continue to complain of sexual dysfunction. At a dedicated renal impotence clinic, 65 male dialysis patients were screened for endocrine disturbances. Baseline serum sex hormones were compared between those receiving and not receiving rHuEpo, using either the two-sample t test or the Mann-Whitney U test, after assessing for normality. Results from four patients were excluded on account of either medications (antiemetic phenothiazines), hepatic dysfunction, or carcinomatosis. Twenty-five patients (41.0%) were receiving rHuEpo, the recipients and non-recipients being well matched for haemoglobin (10.19 +/- 0.29 vs 10.55 +/- 0.25 g/dl, n.s.), age (51.1 +/- 1.9 vs 53.6 +/- 2.1 years, n.s.) and duration of sexual dysfunction (median, 3.0 vs 3.0 years, n.s.). The rHuEpo recipients had a higher median creatinine (1090 vs 972 micromol/l, P < 0.02), but similar nutritional status to the non-recipients (albumin 41.0 vs 39.0 g/l, n.s.). The total duration of rHuEpo therapy was 0.85 +/- 0.14 years. Prolactin levels were similar in both the rHuEpo recipients and non-recipients (440 vs 541 mu/l, n.s.), as were LH (11.0 vs 10.5 iu/l, n.s.) and FSH (8.0 vs 6.5 iu/l, n.s.). However, there were significant elevations of testosterone (19.8 +/- 1.3 vs 16.1 +/- 1.1 nmol/l, P < 0.05) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (40.5 vs 26.0 nmol/l, P < 0.01), with a trend toward elevated oestradiol (304 vs 248 pmol/l, P = 0.095) in the rHuEpo-treated group. Forty-eight subjects (78.7%) received peritoneal dialysis (PD), with the 19 rHuEpo recipients (39.6%) demonstrating increased serum testosterone (21.0 +/- 1.5 vs 16.6 +/- 1.3 nmol/l, P < 0.05), SHBG (40.5 vs 26.5 nmol/l, P < 0.01), LH (15.0 vs 10.0 iu/l, P < 0.01) and FSH (12.0 vs 5.3 iu/l, P < 0.05). These differences were not demonstrated in the 13 haemodialysis (HD) subjects. Male dialysis patients complaining of sexual dysfunction after correction of anaemia with rHuEpo are characterized by higher levels of serum testosterone and SHBG, but not suppression of hyperprolactinaemia or hyperoestrogenism. Male PD subjects receiving rHuEpo also demonstrated increased LH and FSH.

Clinical observation on treatment of hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism anovulatory patient with replenishing Kidney-Yin drugs

In order to investigate the effect of Chinese herbal medicine for replenishing Kidney-Yin in treating hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism anovulatory syndrome, 35 patients were treated with replenishing Kidney-Yin drugs for 3 months, basic body temperature, ultrasonic examination and blood levels of sex hormones were taken for monitoring the ovulation, and changes of serum insulin, blood sugar as well as oral glucose tolerence test were observed before and after treatment. Thirty-five patients showed high serum insulin and testosterone levels but normal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) level. Twenty-nine percent of their luteinizing hormone/folliclestimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio were in normal range. Twenty four cases completed the regular treatment and 20 of them showed ovulation in the 43 menstrual cycles (59.7%). Seven of 17 (41.2%) infertile cases become pregnant within 6 months. After 3 months of treatment, blood sugar and insulin level significantly decreased but the latter was still slightly higher than normal level. Serum testosterone level decreased significantly and reached normal. Results suggested that replenishing Kidney-Yin Drugs could provide a good microcircumstance for ovarian follicular growth, and resulted in ovulation and pregnancy. The mechanism is remained to be further explored.

Leptin levels and insulin sensitivity in obese and non-obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

The study was conducted to assess leptin levels and insulin sensitivity in obese and non-obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Twenty-two women with PCOS and 19 control healthy women were included in the study, divided into obese and non-obese groups. Leptin was determined using Linco Research radioimmunoassay while insulin sensitivity was calculatedfrom intravenous glucose tolerance tests with frequent blood sampling using MINMOD analysis. Significantly higher basal leptin levels were found in obese compared to non-obese PCOS (31.76 ± 3.06 vs. 10.42 ± 2.31 ng/ml; p < 0.05) as well as in obese in comparison to non-obese controls(29.16 ± 5.06 vs 8.51 ± 0.88 ng/ml; p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between insulin sensitivity and leptin levels in both obese (r = -0.2480; p > 0.05) and non-obese PCOS groups (t = -0.4620; p > 0.05). In conclusion, high serum leptin, insulin and testosterone levels together with reduced insulin sensitivity were found in obese PCOS women, suggesting that high leptin levels could be a characteristic of the obese PCOS phenotype.

Citral and testosterone interactions in inducing benign and atypical prostatic hyperplasia in rats

Citral is a monoterpene in wide use as an aromatic supplement in the cosmetics and food industries. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that cutaneous application of citral on adolescent rats may induce benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-like and even atypical hyperplastic changes in the ventral lobes. In the present study we investigate the possible interactions between citral and serum testosterone levels on the induction of hyperplastic changes in the ventral prostate of adolescent rats. In addition, the study includes a comparative analysis of normal intact rats showing circadian variations of serum testosterone levels and rats in whom this rhythmic pattern was abolished either by excessive supplementation of exogenous androgen or by castration. Our results demonstrate an induction of benign as well as atypical prostatic hyperplasia following citral application. The most severe atypical changes were noted in the citral-treated rats with high serum testosterone levels. Although the mechanism of action of citral is yet unknown, the present results suggest a synergism between citral and testosterone resulting in hyperplastic changes in the rat ventral prostate. In addition, the results reconfirm that serum testosterone levels fluctuate according to a circadian rhythm in intact young and adolescent male rats. The application of citral tends to lower the morning circadian peaks, and the circadian pattern was abolished in orchiectomized rats and in those treated with testosterone implants.

Volatile compounds from interdigital gland of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Interdigital secretions were collected from eight male white-tailed deer of various ages. Analysis of volatiles was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with a modified headspace technique. Forty-six volatile compounds were found including alkanes, arenes, aldehydes, ketones, aliphatic acids, esters, pyrroles, furans, and sulfur compounds. Eleven occurred in higher concentrations (P≤0.10) in dominant (≥3.5-year-old) than in subordinate (≥1.5-year-old) animals. Dominant males typically have higher serum testosterone levels, and fatty acids and esters fluctuate with sebum production, which is under hormonal control. Therefore, these compounds may reflect testosterone levels and act as chemical signals indicating the presence of a dominant male. Interdigital volatiles also may act as generalized scent trail markers.

Serum sex hormone levels after menopause and subsequent breast cancer.

High levels of androgens and estrogens have been reported to be associated with breast cancer. However, the multiplicity of factors that influence hormone levels and methodologic issues complicate the study of the relationship between steroid sex hormones and breast cancer. Using an improved study design, we assessed prospectively the relationship between the principal steroid sex hormones in serum and the subsequent occurrence of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Four thousand fifty-three healthy postmenopausal women aged 40-69 years, were enrolled from June 1987 through June 1992 in a prospective investigation of hormones and diet in the etiology of breast tumors (ORDET study) as part of a larger volunteer cohort of 10 788 premenopausal and postmenopausal women from Varese Province, northern Italy. At recruitment, blood samples were taken between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM (after overnight fasting), and sera were preserved in -80 degree Celsius freezers. Women who had received hormone treatment in the 3 months prior to enrollment, who had bilateral ovariectomy, or who had a history of cancer or liver disease were not recruited. Twenty-five women in the final eligible cohort of postmenopausal women developed histologically confirmed, invasive breast cancer during the first 3.5 years of follow-up for the cohort (13 537 women-years). For each case subject, four control subjects were randomly chosen after matching for factors possibly affecting hormone preservation in serum. One case subject and eight control subjects were excluded because premenopausal hormonal patterns were found; thus, after also excluding the four control subjects matched to the ineligible case subject, we included 24 case and 88 control subjects. In the spring of 1994, stored sera of case and control subjects were assayed in a blinded manner for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estradiol (E2) by in-house radioimmunoassay and for total and free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin by commercially available nonextraction iodination kits. Mean differences in risk factors were tested by analysis of variance for paired data. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated by conditional logistic regression analysis. All P values resulted from two-sided tests. Age-adjusted mean values of total testosterone, free testosterone, and E2 were significantly higher in case subjects than in control subjects: total testosterone, 0.34 ng/mL versus 0.25 ng/mL (P<.001); free testosterone, 1.07 pg/ml versus 0.77 pg/mL (P= .006); and E2, 25 pg/mL versus 22 pg/mL (P= .027). Age-adjusted RRs for breast cancer in increasing tertiles were as follows: for total testosterone, 1.0, 4.8, and 7.0 (P for trend =.026); for free testosterone, 1.0, 1.8, and 5.7 (P for trend=.005); and for total E2, 1.0, 7.1, and 5.5 (P for trend= .128). This prospective study provides further evidence in support of the already established association between elevated estrogen levels and breast cancer. Even more importantly, it provides new evidence that high serum testosterone levels precede breast cancer occurrence.

High bone density in hyperandrogenic women: effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist alone or in conjunction with estrogen-progestin replacement.

We studied 20 hirsute patients with high levels of serum testosterone (T), calculated free T, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and 19 age-matched nonhirsute normoandrogenic control women. The bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and trochanter major region in hirsute patients was higher than that in the controls. BMD in the lumbar spine and proximal femur correlated positively with the body mass index and with serum T and free T in hyperandrogenic women and the whole study group, but not with serum androstenedione or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. The hirsute women were treated with a GnRH agonist (goserelin, 3.6-mg implant) for 9 months. After the first 3 months of treatment, half of the patients were randomized to receive estrogen-progestin replacement therapy (HRT), and the other half served as controls. After the first 3 months of trial, BMD was unaffected, and the urinary output of collagen pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline cross-links, and hydroxyproline (all markers of bone resorption) were increased, but serum markers, the carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (marker of bone resorption) and that of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (marker of bone formation) did not change. After 9 months of goserelin treatment, the lumbar spine had lost 5.4% of its BMD (P < 0.01), but regained bone density 6 months after cessation of treatment. Addition of HRT protected the spine and trochanter major against bone loss. The changes in serum telopeptide and urinary output of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline after 3 months of treatment (from prestudy levels) correlated with the decrease in BMD in the femoral neck at 9 months. In conclusion, our data show that patients with ovarian androgen excess 1) have high BMD, 2) lose bone during 9 months of treatment with GnRH agonist, 3) show a decrease in bone density preceded by biochemical alterations in bone metabolism at least 6 months earlier, and 4) can have their bone loss prevented by add-back HRT.

Concentrações de testosterona no soro sangüíneo de búfalos durante 24 horas, no inverno e no verão

Concentrações de testosterona foram determinadas por radioimunoensaio em 30 amostras de soro sangüíneo obtidas cinco vezes durante 24 horas, de 6 búfalos adultos Jaffarabadi x Mediterrâneo. As amostras foram obtidas durante um dia do inverno e um dia do verão de 1991. As concentrações de testosterona variaram de 0,10 a 1,36 ng/ml no inverno e de 0,10 a 2,454 ng/ml no verão. Valores máximos foram obtidos às 6,00 horas (0,52 ng/ml) no verão e 0,82 ng/ml no inverno, ocorrendo então duas quedas abruptas, a primeira às 12 horas (0,37 ng/ml) no verão e 0,21 ng/ml no inverno e a segunda 24 horas (0,17 ng/ml) no verão e 0,49 ng/ml no inverno. No verão, níveis mais altos de testosterona sérica foram observados durante o dia.

Benzpyrene treatment in adulthood increases the testosterone level in neonatally steroid(allylestrenol)-treated male rats

1. 1. Serum testosterone level was significantly elevated in adult male rats after a single perinatal allylestrenol administration. 2. 2. Benzpyrene treatment of adult rats perinatally treated with allylestrenol, did not cause changes 1 week after benzpyrene treatment, but 3 weeks later an extremely high serum testosterone level was found. 3. 3. In control animals benzpyrene administration in adulthood did not influence the serum testosterone level either 1 or 3 weeks following the treatment.