Context: Male cancer patients suffer from fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and decreased functional performance and muscle mass. These symptoms are seen in men with hypogonadism and/or inflammatory conditions. However, the relative contribution of testosterone and inflammation to symptom burden in cancer has not been well-established.
Objective: The aim of this study was to measure testosterone levels in male cancer patients and determine the relationship between testosterone, inflammation, and symptom burden.
Design/setting: This cross-sectional study enrolled patients from a tertiary-care center. SUBJECTS/OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects included males with cancer-cachexia (CC; n = 45) and cancer without cachexia (CNC; n = 50), as well as noncancer controls (CO; n = 45). Total testosterone (TT), bioavailable testosterone, C-reactive protein (CRP), and IL-6 were measured in plasma. Functional performance was assessed by the ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) and KPS (Karnofsky Performance Scales), and sexual function was assessed by the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function).
Results: Low testosterone levels were seen in more than 70% of CC cases. TT was lower in CC compared to CNC (P < 0.05). Also, CC had lower bioavailable testosterone, grip strength, IIEF scores, appendicular lean body mass, and fat mass and higher IL-6 and CRP compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). ECOG and KPS were lower in CC and CNC compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). On multiple regression analysis, TT, albumin, and CRP predicted symptoms differentially in cancer patients.
Conclusions: CC patients have higher inflammation and lower testosterone, grip strength, functional status, erectile function, fat mass, and appendicular lean body mass. Inflammation, TT, and albumin are associated with heavier symptom burden in this population. Interventional trials are needed to determine whether testosterone replacement and/or antiinflammatory agents benefit cancer patients.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/jc.2011-2387 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Marathon Running: A narrative Review.
Sports Med Open
January 2025
Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Background: Marathon training and running have many beneficial effects on human health and physical fitness; however, they also pose risks. To date, no comprehensive review regarding both the benefits and risks of marathon running on different organ systems has been published.
Main Body: The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive review of the benefits and risks of marathon training and racing on different organ systems.
Low progesterone levels and their role in the co-existence of polycystic ovary syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis: a comprehensive analysis among Iraqi patient.
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol
January 2025
Department of chemistry-College of Science- Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad. Electronic address:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a low-grade and chronic inflammation defined by irregular hormonal status that primarily triggers females in their reproductive age. Multi cysts are a primary manifestation of PCOS; a high level of androgen production characterizes the condition via ovaries. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, and symmetrical inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects 1-2% of adults.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCarvacrol attenuates varicocele-induced infertility in rats.
Eur J Pharmacol
January 2025
Department of Physiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran.
Carvacrol is a common ingredient in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and perfume industries. It possesses various pharmaceutical properties including pain relief, anti-cell death, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the protective impact of carvacrol on infertility caused by varicocele in rats.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Differential diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and constitutional delay of puberty (CDP) is extremely important since with the latter puberty begins and completes without any medical intervention and in the case of HH puberty does not occur or is incomplete. Failure to start treatment on time leads to medical and psychosocial maladjustment of the patient.
Aim: Development of a method for differential diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and constitutional delay of puberty in boys 13.
Association of the Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Testosterone Hormones in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Int J Prev Med
December 2024
Gastrointestitional Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Background: The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to investigate the effects of alcohol consumption on male sex hormones in humans.
Methods: We conducted searches on PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar from June 2020 to June 2022. We included observational studies (cohorts, case-controls, and cross-sectional studies) comparing FSH, LH, or testosterone levels in alcohol consumers versus non-consumers.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!