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Testosterone levels following decreases in serum osteocalcin
Mark J Bolland1, Andrew Grey, Anne M Horne
1Bone and Joint Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. m.bolland@auckland.ac.nz
Calcified Tissue International
|April 23, 2013
Summary
Zoledronate significantly reduced osteocalcin levels in men, but did not affect testosterone or luteinizing hormone. This suggests osteocalcin does not play a major role in regulating testosterone in adult men.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Men's Health
Background:
- Preclinical studies suggest osteoblasts induce testosterone production via osteocalcin.
- Bisphosphonates, like zoledronate, reduce osteocalcin levels.
- The impact of bisphosphonate-induced osteocalcin reduction on male testosterone is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between osteocalcin and testosterone levels in men.
- To determine if zoledronate treatment affects testosterone levels in HIV-infected men.
- To assess the role of osteocalcin in regulating testosterone in adult males.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year randomized, controlled trial of zoledronate in HIV-infected men.
- Measurement of serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and total osteocalcin.
- Comparison of hormone and osteocalcin levels between zoledronate and placebo groups.
Main Results:
- Zoledronate significantly reduced total osteocalcin by 39% at 2 years (P=0.003).
- No significant changes in testosterone or luteinizing hormone over time or between groups.
- Absence of testosterone changes despite reduced osteocalcin levels.
Conclusions:
- Osteocalcin reduction by zoledronate does not impact testosterone levels in adult men.
- Osteocalcin is unlikely to be a significant regulator of testosterone in this population.
- Men on bisphosphonates are unlikely to develop iatrogenic hypogonadism.
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