Association of sex hormones and C-reactive protein levels in men

• Published in: Clinical endocrinology (Oxford) 2010-04, Vol.72 (4), p.527-533
• Main Authors: Kupelian, Varant, Chiu, Gretchen R., Araujo, Andre B., Williams, Rachel E., Clark, Richard V., McKinlay, John B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aging - physiology; Androgens; Biological and medical sciences; C-Reactive Protein - metabolism; Cross-Sectional Studies; Endocrinopathies; Estradiol - blood; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gonadal Steroid Hormones - blood; Hormones; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Men; Middle Aged; Prevention and actions; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Regression Analysis; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin - metabolism; Testosterone; Testosterone - blood; Vertebrates: endocrinology
• ISSN: 0300-0664; 1365-2265
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03713.x

Summary Objectives  The age‐associated decline in sex hormone levels in men is paralleled by an increase in cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors including low grade chronic inflammation. The objective of this analysis was to investigate the association between sex hormone levels and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in a population‐based sample of men. Design  Population‐based, cross‐sectional observational survey. Participants  A multistage stratified design was used to recruit a random sample of 2301 racially and ethnically diverse men age 30–79 years. Blood samples were obtained on 1899 men. Analyses were conducted on 1559 men with complete data on CRP and sex hormone levels. Measurements  High‐sensitivity CRP levels. The association between CRP and sex hormone levels was assessed using multiple linear regression models. Results  An inverse association was observed, in both bivariate and multivariate analyses, between CRP and total testosterone, free testosterone and SHBG levels. These associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, body mass index, comorbid conditions and lifestyle factors. A positive trend between oestradiol (total and free) and CRP levels was not statistically significant. Conclusions  A robust, inverse dose–response correlation between testosterone and SHBG levels with CRP levels provides further evidence of a potential role of androgens in inflammatory processes.