Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Can Low SHBG Serum Concentration Be A Good Early Marker Of Male Hypogonadism In Metabolic Syndrome?
Piotr Jarecki1, Waldemar A Herman2, Elżbieta Pawliczak3
1Student Scientific Club of Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Wielkopolskie, Poland.
Introduction:
In men suffering from metabolic syndrome, accompanying insulin resistance may result in a lowering of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) plasma levels and cause changes in their androgenic status.
Aim:
The objective of the research was to assess selected androgens and SHBG plasma levels in males meeting diagnostic criteria for MS compared to healthy males.
Patients And Methods:
The group consisted of 65 men aged between 40 and 70 years old fitting IDF metabolic syndrome criteria and 84 controls. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEA-S), total and free testosterone and SHBG serum levels were evaluated. Calculated free and bioavailable testosterone were estimated using an algorithm proposed by the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male.
Results:
Men diagnosed with MS showed a statistically significant decrease in plasma levels of DHEA in comparison to healthy ones: 11.579 (8.39-15.56) vs 14.014 (9.611-17.125) ng/mL; p = 0.0350, SHBG: 47.46 (35.78-62.83) vs 71.965 (54.45-91.56) nM/L; p<0.0001 and total testosterone: 5.2 (3.8-6.5) vs 6.3 (5.4-8.25) ng/mL; p = 0.0001 (values presented as a median with Q1-Q3).
Conclusion:
The results suggest that SHBG is a good early marker for metabolic dysregulation in MS, considering its strength of association and significance is comparable to, or better than, those of MS criteria.
Related Concept Videos
Menopause
Infertility in Males
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...

