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Circulating androgens in male patients suffering from systemic scleroderma
1Department of Dermatology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Archives of Dermatological Research
|January 1, 1991
Summary
In male scleroderma patients, higher levels of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were observed. These androgens correlated with collagen metabolites, suggesting a role in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a complex autoimmune disease.
- The role of sex hormones in scleroderma pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between circulating androgens and collagen metabolism in male patients with progressive systemic sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Measured urinary collagen metabolites (hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine peptide) and serum androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS), oestradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin).
- Compared levels in ten male scleroderma patients with age-matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Scleroderma patients exhibited significantly higher levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, total testosterone, DHT, and total oestradiol compared to controls.
- Urinary hydroxyproline and hydroxyproline peptide fractions significantly correlated with total testosterone, DHT, and DHEAS.
- Hydroxylysine peptide correlated significantly with free testosterone and DHT.
Conclusions:
- Elevated androgens and their correlation with collagen metabolites suggest a potential role for androgens in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis in males.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved.