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Sex Differences in 11-Oxygenated Androgen Patterns Across Adulthood
Angela Davio1, Helen Woolcock2, Aya T Nanba1
1Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, US.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 5, 2020
Summary
11-oxygenated androgens (11-oxyandrogens) show distinct aging patterns in men and women. While some 11-oxyandrogens decline in aging men, others remain stable, unlike traditional androgens.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Androgen metabolism
- Aging research
Background:
- Gonadal function declines with age, impacting sex steroid production.
- Adrenals produce 11-oxygenated androgens (11-oxyandrogens) starting at adrenarche.
- 11-oxyandrogen levels remain stable in women post-menopause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare circulating 11-oxyandrogen concentrations in adult men and women across different ages.
- To investigate the impact of aging on specific 11-oxyandrogens.
Main Methods:
- Mass spectrometry was used to measure various androgens and adrenal steroids in serum.
- Included 590 adults (319 men), aged 18-97 years.
- Adrenal tissue analysis was performed on 19 men.
Main Results:
- 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) and 11-ketoandrostenedione (11KA4) declined in men but were stable in women.
- 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4) and 11β-hydroxytestosterone (11OHT) increased with age in women and were stable in men.
- Body mass index influenced 11-oxyandrogen levels, suggesting altered enzyme activity in obesity.
Conclusions:
- Unlike traditional androgens, 11OHA4 and 11OHT production is sustained with aging in both sexes.
- The bioactive androgen 11KT declines in aging men but not in women.
- Adrenal androgenic enzyme expression in aging men mirrors that in women.
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