Testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, and insulin in sedentary and physically trained aged men

Abstract

The influence of physical activity on dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total and free testosterone (TT and FT, respectively), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin concentrations in aging men was investigated. Eight trained and nine sedentary men aged 60-65 years volunteered to participate in this study. Physical activity was determined during an effort test and evaluated by the measure of the maximal aerobic power (W(aer,max)). In the trained aging men, the W(aer,max) was higher than in the sedentary group of matching age [mean (SD) 206.8 (17.1) W versus 136.6 (12.3) W; P<0.0001]. The fat percentage was higher in the sedentary (n = 9) than in the trained (n = 8) group [23.9 (3.2)% versus 14.6 (3.7)%; P<0.0001]. DHEAS and IGF-1 levels were higher in trained than in sedentary subjects, respectively 2.04 (1) micromol/l versus 1.01 (0.68) micromol/l (P=0.02) and 192.1 (40.1) ng/ml versus 132.8 (31.2) ng/ml (P= 0.003). Insulin levels were higher in sedentary subjects [11.2 (3.5) mIU/l versus 7.6 (2.2) mIU/l, P=0.03]. No statistical difference was observed between both groups for FT and total TT values, FSH values and LH values. IGF-1 was correlated with W(aer,max) (r = 0.64, P = 0.003), and DHEAS was correlated with IGF-1 (r=0.59, P=0.01). We observed a relationship between fat percentage and each of the following hormones: IGF-1 (r=-0.50, P=0.03), FT (r=-0.66, P= 0.002), TT (r=-0.54, P = 0.02) and insulin (r=0.63, P=0.004). Insulin was inversely correlated with FT (r= -0.66, P=0.002) and TT (r=-0.47, P=0.05). These results suggest that regular physical activity could maintain higher DHEAS and IGF-1 and lean body mass levels in elderly men, and participate in general well being in older age.

DHEA, DHEA-S and cortisol responses to acute exercise in older adults in relation to exercise training status and sex

“…This is consistent with Arai et al (2006) who found no significant difference in DHEA-S between older male runners and those who were sedentary, and Traustadottir et al (2004) who reported no differences in cortisol levels between fit older women and those who were of average fitness. Although this present finding is in contrast to other studies which suggest that DHEA/S is higher in endurance trained (de Gonzalo-Calvo et al 2011;Tissandier et al 2001) and moderately trained (Ravaglia et al 2001) older men. In these previous and current investigations, blood samples were collected at similar times under the same conditions (fasted, rested, etc.).…”

“…DHEA-S has been found to be significantly higher in older men who are endurance trained (Tissandier et al 2001) and who regularly cycled at moderate intensity (Ravaglia et al 2001). In contrast, DHEA-S levels have been found to be similar between older male runners and sedentary controls (Arai et al 2006).…”

In case of obesity, longevity-related mechanisms lead to anti-inflammation

“…It is suggested that regular physical activity could improve life quality by increasing the levels of IGF-1 in circulation (Tissandier et al 2001). Low IGF-1 levels suggest decreased GH amounts.…”

Physiological basis of Growth and Development among Children and Adolescent in Relation to Physical Activity

“…Growth Hormone (GH) and Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) showed a slower decline in active individual than the inactive peers [55]. Regular exercise habit induces the secretion pattern of GH and DHEAS throughout the lifespan [56,57,58,59,60]. Exercise is known to cause perturbations in endocrine and metabolic systems in children and adolescents that may influence growth and development during puberty, yet careful characterization of these responses is only now being conducted [52].…”