Low Levels of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Constitute an Independent Risk Factor for Arterial Stiffness in Korean Women

Abstract

The association between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and arterial stiffness in women is not conclusive. In addition, obesity might also be involved in the relationship between SHBG and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between SHBG and arterial stiffness in association with central obesity in women. This cross-sectional study included 381 women who participated in the health checkup programs in one hospital. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured as a marker for arterial stiffness. A negative correlation was observed between SHBG levels and baPWV (rho = −0.281). The relationship was significant even after adjusting for potential confounders (beta = −0.087 in fully adjusted model). After considering the interaction between central obesity and SHBG levels, the significant association was evident only in obese women (P for interaction = 0.025). Adjustment for a 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores, instead of each cardiovascular risk factor individually, did not affect the significance of the relationship between SHBG levels and baPWV. Serum levels of SHBG were negatively associated with arterial stiffness independent of cardiovascular risk factors or 10-year ASCVD risk scores in Korean women. The relationship may be potentiated by central obesity.

Sex hormones in association with general joint laxity and hypermobility in the temporomandibular joint in adolescents—results of the epidemiologic LIFE child study

“…The main glycoproteins in the human body are located in the collagen . The observed SHBG influences on arterial stiffness, tibial cartilage volume, patella bone volume or bone density seem plausible because all these anatomical entities structurally consist of different collagens. A relation between SHGB level and collagens seems to be likely to a still unknown extent.…”

Definition, Prevalence, and Risk Factors of Low Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin in US Adults

“…Recent studies indicate that SHBG may be involved in many diseases. In particular, lower levels of SHBG are reported to be associated with higher prevalence or incidence of hypertension ( 4 ), arterial stiffness ( 5 ), insulin resistance ( 3 ), type 2 diabetes ( 3 ), coronary heart disease ( 6 ), stroke ( 7 ), cancer ( 8 , 9 ), polycystic ovarian syndrome ( 10 ), arthritis ( 11 ), liver disease ( 12 ), and inflammation ( 13 ), highlighting the importance of investigating the condition of low SHBG. The mechanisms by which lower SHBG levels are related to an increased risk of these diseases are not well understood.…”

Tree nut consumption is associated with higher sex hormone-binding globulin levels in premenopausal US women

“…In addition, the causal relationship between tree nuts and SHBG observed in the current study is unclear. If future clinical trials confirm that tree nuts increase SHBG in women in a general population, the current study could have broad clinical implications, given that low levels of SHBG are associated with many diseases such as hypertension [4], arterial stiffness [5], insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes [3], stroke [6], and polycystic ovarian syndrome [7].…”

“…SHBG can also bind to and activate its receptors on the cell surface to exert direct effects on cell uptake of sex hormones and cell proliferation [2,3]. Low levels of SHBG are associated with many diseases such as hypertension [4], arterial stiffness [5], insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes [3], stroke [6], and polycystic ovarian syndrome [7].…”