Low Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin, Total Testosterone, and Symptomatic Androgen Deficiency Are Associated with Development of the Metabolic Syndrome in Nonobese Men

Abstract

Abstract Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by central obesity, lipid and insulin dysregulation, and hypertension, is a precursor state for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether low serum sex hormone levels or clinical androgen deficiency (AD) predict the development of MetS. Methods: Data were obtained from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, a population-based prospective cohort of 1709 men observed at three time points (T1, 1987–1989; T2, 1995–1997; T3, 2002–2004). MetS was defined using a modification of the ATP III guidelines. Clinical AD was defined using a combination of testosterone levels and clinical signs and symptoms. The association between MetS and sex hormone levels or clinical AD was assessed using relative risks (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Results: Analysis was conducted in 950 men without MetS at T1. Lower levels of total testosterone and SHBG were predictive of MetS, particularly among men with a body mass index (BMI) below 25 kg/m2 with adjusted RRs for a decrease in 1 sd of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.06–1.87) and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.12–2.42). Results were similar for the AD and MetS association, with RRs of 2.51 (95% CI, 1.12–5.65) among men with a BMI less than 25 compared with an RR of 1.22 (95% CI, 0.66–2.24) in men with a BMI of 25 or greater. Conclusions: Low serum SHBG, low total testosterone, and clinical AD are associated with increased risk of developing MetS over time, particularly in nonoverweight, middle-aged men (BMI, <25). Together, these results suggest that low SHBG and/or AD may provide early warning signs for cardiovascular risk and an opportunity for early intervention in nonobese men.