Evidence for geographical and racial variation in serum sex steroid levels in older men.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite considerable racial and geographical differences in human phenotypes and in the incidence of diseases that may be associated with sex steroid action, there are few data concerning variation in sex steroid levels among populations. We designed an international study to determine the degree to which geography and race influence sex steroid levels in older men.

Methods

Using mass spectrometry, concentrations of serum androgens, estrogens, and sex steroid precursors/metabolites were measured in 5003 older men from five countries. SHBG levels were assessed using radioimmunoassay.

Results

There was substantial geographical variation in the levels of sex steroids, precursors, and metabolites, as well as SHBG. For instance, Asian men in Hong Kong and Japan,

SUBMITTER: Orwoll ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3050097 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature