Integrity of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in exceptional longevity.

Hypothalamic integrity increasingly is being recognized as a marker of healthy longevity in rodent models. Insight into hypothalamic function in humans with exceptional longevity can be gained via investigation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis in men with exceptional longevity. This study aimed to characterize the HPT axis function, defined by levels of testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH), in 84 Ashkenazi Jewish men aged 90-106 years.

Facilitators and barriers to successful recruitment into a large comparative effectiveness trial: a qualitative study.

Recruitment of participants into research studies, especially individuals from minority groups, is challenging; lack of diversity may lead to biased findings. To explore beliefs about research participation among individuals who were approached and eligible for the GRADE study. In-depth qualitative telephone interviews with randomized participants (n = 25) and eligible individuals who declined to enroll (n = 26).