Dataset Information

Serum free testosterone and asthma, asthma hospitalisations and lung function in British adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We examined the relation between serum-free testosterone and asthma, wheeze, asthma hospitalisations and lung function in older adults.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

UK.

Participants

256 419 adults aged 40 to 69 years, recruited from 2006 to 2010.

Main outcome measures

Multivariable logistic or linear regression was used for the analysis of free testosterone and physician-diagnosed asthma, current wheeze, asthma hospitalisations and lung function measures, which was adjusted for serum estradiol, smoking status and other covariates.

Results

Free testosterone levels above the lowest quartile (Q1) were significantly associated with lower odds of asthma in both women (adjusted OR (aOR) for Q4 (the highest quartile) versus Q1=0.67, 95% CI=0.64 to 0.71) and men (aOR for Q4 versus Q1=0.87, 95% CI=0.82 to 0.91). Among subjects with asthma, free testosterone levels above Q1 were significantly associated with lower odds of current wheeze in women (aOR range=0.78 to 0.87), and free testosterone levels in Q4 were associated with lower odds of current wheeze in men (aOR for Q4 versus Q1=0.86, 95% CI=0.77 to 0.95). Among women with asthma, free testosterone levels in Q4 were also associated with lower odds of ≥1 asthma hospitalisation. Among men, free testosterone was positively associated with FEV₁ and FVC. Among women, free testosterone was negatively and weakly associated with FVC.

Conclusion

In a large study of British adults, elevated free testosterone levels are associated with lower odds of asthma and current wheeze in women and men, lower odds of asthma hospitalisations in women, and higher FEV₁ and FVC in men. DISSEMINATION TO PARTICIPANTS, AND RELATED PATIENT AND PUBLIC COMMUNITIES: The results of the study will be linked to the UK Biobank website.

SUBMITTER: Han YY

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7938359 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:OBJECTIVES: There are technical limitations for the currently available methods of measuring serum total and free testosterone in females. The study objectives were to evaluate the usefulness of serum total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI), and calculated free testosterone (CFT) in the assessment of androgen status in women investigated for suspected hyperandrogenism. METHODS: This is a case control study that was conducted during the period from 1(st) May 2011 to 31(st) October 2011 on 122 patients aged (18-45 years) whom were referred to the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory from the Endocrinology and Gynecology Clinics, Royal Hospital, Oman. Women with no clinical feature or laboratory data indicative of hormonal dysfunction and with midluteal progesterone >30 nmol/L were selected as controls (group 1; n=18). The patients were divided into subgroups based on the clinical/laboratory diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS [group 2; n=19), hirsutism (group 3; n=18), menstrual disturbances (irregularities) or infertility (group 4; n=49), as well as combination of PCOS or hirsutism and menstrual disturbances or infertility (group 5; n=18). Serum total testosterone and SHBG were measured, FAI was calculated as percentage ratio of total testosterone to SHBG values, and CFT was calculated according to Vermeulen equation. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean levels of testosterone, FAI and CFT in each patient group compared with the control group. For diagnosing hyperandrogenism, each indicator was selected at the recommended cut-off: testosterone >3.0 nmol/L, SHBG <30 nmol/L, FAI >5%, and CFT >32 pmol/L. In group 2, 89.5% and 94.7% of the patients had increased FAI and CFT, respectively; compared with 36.4% for increased testosterone. In group 3, 88.9% and 88.9% of the patients had similarly increased FAI and CFT, respectively; compared with 66.7% for testosterone. In group 4, patients had 63.3% and 73.5% elevated FAI and CFT, respectively; compared with 53.1% for testosterone, while in group 5, patients had 83.3% and 88.9% elevated FAI and CFT, respectively, compared with 61.1% for testosterone. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of hyperandrogenism was most obvious when using CFT or FAI than testosterone alone. It is thus recommended to include these calculated parameters (CFT and/or FAI) in the routine investigation and assessment of women with disorders related to clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism.