Correlation of serum 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide with acne and chest hair density in men

Serum 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha-Adiol-G) is considered to be an indicator of peripheral tissue androgen metabolism. Precursor circulating androgens are converted in peripheral tissue to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is ultimately metabolized to 3 alpha-Adiol-G and secreted from the cell. Elevated serum 3 alpha-Adiol-G concentrations have been reported in women in hyperandrogenic states. We studied 44 consecutive male medical students for chest hair density, acne, and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), total testosterone (total T), free and albumin-bound (bioavailable) T (bio T), and 3 alpha-Adiol-G concentrations. Although there was considerable overlap of serum 3 alpha-Adiol-G values among the groups defined by hair density or acne scores, we found statistically significant correlations between serum 3 alpha-Adiol-G and chest hairiness (P = 0.0034), acne (P = 0.0005), and a combined chest hairiness and acne score (P = 0.0018). There was no significant correlation between these clinical parameters and the levels of precursor androgens. There was, however, a strong correlation between serum 3 alpha-Adiol-G and bio T (P = 0.0005), suggesting that in men serum 3 alpha-Adiol-G levels may be dependent upon available free and albumin-bound T. The correlations in men of serum 3 alpha-Adiol-G with chest hair density, acne, and the hairiness and acne index supports the hypothesis that the serum levels of 3 alpha-Adiol-G reflect the extent of androgen action in peripheral tissues.