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Androgens, exercise capacity, and muscle function in cystic fibrosis
Peter James Barry1, Deirdre F Waterhouse1, Claire M Reilly2
1National Referral Centre for Adult Cystic Fibrosis, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Chest
|August 12, 2008
Summary
Adult men with cystic fibrosis (CF) show impaired muscle strength and exercise capacity. However, their testosterone levels are typically normal, suggesting testosterone does not play a significant role in CF-related muscle dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Muscle strength and exercise capacity are commonly reduced in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).
- Potential contributing factors include poor nutrition, inactivity, and corticosteroid use.
- Low serum testosterone levels are often observed in adolescent males with CF, prompting investigation into its role in muscle function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between circulating androgen levels, muscle strength, and exercise capacity in adult patients with CF.
- To determine if low testosterone contributes to the muscle dysfunction seen in cystic fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 15 adult CF patients.
- Assessment of maximal exercise capacity and peripheral muscle strength (quadriceps, shoulder, handgrip, respiratory pressures).
- Measurement of total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, albumin, and calculation of free testosterone (FT).
Main Results:
- CF patients exhibited significantly impaired muscle strength and exercise capacity (e.g., peak oxygen uptake at 77.4% predicted).
- Mean circulating androgen levels were normal in the study cohort.
- No significant correlation was found between testosterone or FT levels and measures of muscle strength or exercise capacity.
Conclusions:
- Adult male CF patients with reduced muscle strength and exercise capacity generally maintain normal testosterone levels.
- Hypogonadism is uncommon in this adult male CF population.
- These findings do not support a role for testosterone deficiency in the muscle dysfunction and exercise limitation observed in cystic fibrosis.
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