PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Matthew T Haren

Publications and source records attributed to Matthew T Haren.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Peripheral INSL3 concentrations decline with age in a large population of Australian men.

The novel peptide hormone insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a major secretory product of the Leydig cells of the testis, and in adult men is secreted into the blood, giving rise to circulating concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 ng/mL. We studied a large randomly recruited cohort of 1183 men from South Australia, comparing serum INSL3 concentrations with age, and a variety of endocrine, cognitive and morphological parameters. While INSL3 concentration declines significantly (p < 0.001) and continuously with age from 1.29 +/- 0.47 ng/mL in young men (age 35-44 years) to 0.79 +/- 0.39 ng/mL in the age group 75-80 years, there is no correlation with testosterone or components of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, independent of age, nor with any other parameter measured, including thyroid or prostate status and obesity. For men exhibiting normal follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and high luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, there was a significant inverse correlation with plasma oestradiol. Unilaterally orchidectomized men had INSL3 values intermediate between intact men and anorchid subjects, and showed inverse correlations (p < 0.001) between INSL3 and FSH or LH concentrations, which were independent of age. Taken together, the data show that INSL3 is an independent measure of Leydig cell function (quality and number), which appears to be independent of acute control via the HPG axis. Its decline with age reflects a decline in the properties of the Leydig cell population only, and emphasizes a gonadal component in the age-related decrease in androgen production.

Adult↗

Frailty.

Frailty is a common condition in older people. It now can be objectively defined by the Fried criteria. When recognized, early intervention should begin with the institution of endurance, resistance, and balance exercises. In men with testosterone deficiency a trial of testosterone replacement should be considered. Vitamin D deficiency needs to be recognized and treated. Appropriate treatment of underlying diseases, such as anemia, diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure, are a key management principle. In people who have frailty aggressive health promotion and disease prevention techniques can lead to an inhibition of the downward spiral to disability.

Aged↗

Andropause: a quality-of-life issue in older males.

Testosterone deficiency occurs commonly in men as they grow older. This deficiency often is associated with a decline in sexual activity and a loss of muscle mass. Testosterone replacement can reverse many of these effects. At present, no ideal form of testosterone replacement is available. Like the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, testosterone replacement in older men is a quality of life issue.

Aged↗

Effect of oral testosterone undecanoate on visuospatial cognition, mood and quality of life in elderly men with low-normal gonadal status.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of supplemental testosterone on cognition, mood and wellbeing in ageing men are unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of 12-months of oral testosterone supplementation on cognitive function, mood and quality of life in elderly men with low-normal gonadal status, not specifically selected for cognitive or mood defects. METHODS: A standard oral dose (80 mg twice daily) of testosterone undecanoate (TU) or placebo was administered for one year to 76 healthy men 60 years or older. All men had a free testosterone index (FTI) of 0.3-0.5, which represents a value below the normal lower limit for young men (19-30 years), but remains within the overall normal male range. A neuropsychological assessment including the trail making test (part B), visuospatial (VSP) block design test, mini mental state exam (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), a 5-point Likert and a 10-point visual analogue quality of life (QoL) scale, along with serum hormone measurements were obtained at baseline, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Although calculated bioavailable testosterone (cBT) and FTI were higher, and muscle mass increased after 12 months, there was no difference in scores on the trail making or VSP block tests, the MMSE, GDS or either of the QoL scales between the testosterone and placebo group. There was no relationship between baseline cBT or FTI and treatment effect for any of the outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: 12-month supplementation with oral TU does not affect scores on visuospatial tests or mood and quality of life scales in older men with low-normal gonadal status.

Administration, Oral↗

Oral testosterone supplementation increases muscle and decreases fat mass in healthy elderly males with low-normal gonadal status.

BACKGROUND: Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) leads to frailty in older men. The decline in testosterone over the life span may contribute to this muscle loss. We studied the ability of oral testosterone to prevent muscle loss in older men over a 12-month period. METHODS: A standard dose (80 mg twice daily) of testosterone undecanoate or placebo was administered for 1 year to 76 healthy men aged 60 years or older. All men had a free testosterone index of 0.3-0.5, which represents a value below the normal lower limit for young men (19-30 years), but remains within the overall normal male range. Measurements of body composition, muscle strength, hormones, and safety parameters were obtained at 0, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Lean body mass increased (p =.0001) and fat mass decreased (p =.02) in the testosterone as compared with the placebo-treated group. There were no significant effects on muscle strength. There was a significant increase in hematocrit (0.02%) in the testosterone-treated group (p =.03). Plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were similar in both groups, but there was a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.1 mmol/L) at 12 months in the testosterone group as compared to the placebo group (p = 0.026). There were no differences in prostate-specific antigen or systolic or diastolic blood pressure between the groups. CONCLUSION: Oral testosterone administration to older relatively hypogonadal men results in an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in body fat.

Adipose Tissue↗