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The aging Leydig cell V. Diurnal rhythms in aged men.
Acta Endocrinologica
|April 1, 1982
Summary
This study investigated steroid hormone diurnal rhythms in young and old men. While testosterone and other androgens showed daily fluctuations in both age groups, progesterone and estradiol did not exhibit discernible rhythms.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Andrology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Steroid hormones play crucial roles in male physiology.
- Understanding age-related changes in hormone dynamics is essential for health.
- Diurnal variations in hormone levels can impact physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare basal circulating levels of key steroid hormones between young and old men.
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of diurnal rhythms for these hormones across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from young (median age 34) and old (median age 73) normal males.
- Measurements included progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol-17 beta.
- Sampling occurred throughout the day (08:30 to 17:00 h) to assess diurnal patterns.
Main Results:
- Diurnal rhythms were observed for 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, and testosterone in both young and old men.
- No discernible diurnal rhythms were found for progesterone or estradiol-17 beta in either age group.
- Basal circulating levels of these hormones were assessed across the day.
Conclusions:
- Specific androgens exhibit diurnal variations that are maintained into older age.
- Progesterone and estradiol-17 beta show a lack of significant diurnal fluctuation in normal adult males regardless of age.
- These findings contribute to understanding the temporal dynamics of male steroidogenesis and aging.