The relationship between testosterone and molecular markers of inflammation in older men

Aging is accompanied by a pro-inflammatory state expressed by the increasing levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL- 6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin- 1beta (IL-1beta). At the same time, aging is associated with a decrease in serum testosterone (T) l...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of endocrinological investigation 2005, Vol.28 (11 Suppl Proceedings), p.116-119
Main Authors: Maggio, M, Basaria, S, Ceda, G P, Ble, A, Ling, S M, Bandinelli, S, Valenti, G, Ferrucci, L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Animals
Biomarkers - blood
Cytokines - metabolism
Cytokines - pharmacology
Humans
Inflammation - physiopathology
Male
Mice
Testosterone - antagonists & inhibitors
Testosterone - pharmacology
Testosterone - physiology
Testosterone - secretion
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Summary:Aging is accompanied by a pro-inflammatory state expressed by the increasing levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL- 6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin- 1beta (IL-1beta). At the same time, aging is associated with a decrease in serum testosterone (T) levels. There is evidence from many experimental studies that IL-6, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta inhibit T secretion by their influence on the central (hypothalamic-pituitary) and peripheral (testicular) components of the gonadal axis. On the other hand, observational and interventional studies suggest that T supplementation reduces inflammatory markers in both young and old hypogonadal men. Preliminary data from 473 older male participants of the InCHIANTI population showed a significant inverse relationship between T and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6r) levels (a soluble portion of the IL-6 receptor that may enhance the biological activity of IL-6) but not with other markers of inflammation. This study, together with previous observations, suggests that a close relationship exists between the development of a pro-inflammatory state and the decline in T levels, two trends that are often observed in aging men. In the context of this paradigm, we discuss androgen deprivation therapy, a treatment used in men with metastatic prostate cancer as an ideal model to improve our understanding of the relationship between T and inflammatory markers. We advocate the notion that changes in inflammatory markers and T in aging men are causally linked. However, longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to confirm that T can be used therapeutically, based on its anti-inflammatory properties.
ISSN:0391-4097