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Age-associated changes in parathyroid hormone in black males
P Zemel1, S Gualdoni, M B Zemel
1Division of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202.
Journal of Human Hypertension
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels increase with age in Black men but not Caucasian men. This finding suggests PTH may play a role in age-related hypertension in Black individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Calcium Metabolism
Background:
- Calcium homeostasis is crucial for overall health.
- Aging can affect various metabolic processes.
- Racial differences in health outcomes are well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in calcium metabolism.
- To compare these changes between Black and Caucasian men.
- To examine the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in these differences.
Main Methods:
- Measured serum mid-molecule parathyroid hormone (PTH), total calcium, and ionized calcium.
- Included 83 healthy Black males and 47 healthy Caucasian males.
- Participants' ages ranged from 31 to 77 years.
Main Results:
- No significant effect of age or race on total or ionized calcium levels.
- A significant age-associated increase in PTH levels was observed in Black men (P < 0.03).
- No significant increase in PTH levels with age was found in Caucasian men.
Conclusions:
- Circulating PTH levels increase with age specifically in Black men.
- These findings support a potential role for PTH in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension in Black individuals.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking PTH, aging, and hypertension in this population.