Serum testosterone and sex hormone–binding globulin are inversely associated with leucocyte telomere length in men: a cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank study
Authors' conclusion
Total testosterone and SHBG were independently and inversely associated with LTL. Men with higher testosterone or SHBG had shorter telomeres, arguing against a role for testosterone to slow biological ageing in men.
Study context
- Population
- Community-dwelling men aged 40–69 years, UK Biobank; median age 58 years
- Participants
- 167,706 men
- Exposure
- Total testosterone, cFT and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and standardised leucocyte telomere length (LTL)
- Outcome
- Standardised leucocyte telomere length (LTL), measured by polymerase chain reaction
Methodological detailssecondary analysis of the UK Biobank study, multivariable models
- Secondary analysis of the UK Biobank study
- Multivariable models
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Standardised LTL by total testosterone (adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and medical factors)
Q1 vs Q5Estimate (95% CI)P value
Longer LTL with Q1; total testosterone inversely associated with LTL
difference in standardised LTL 0.09(0.08–0.10)
P < 0.001Longer LTL with Q1; attenuated
difference in standardised LTL, additionally adjusted for SHBG 0.03(0.02–0.05)
P = 0.003Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Estimate | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standardised LTL by SHBG (multivariable)Q1vs Q5Longer LTL with SHBG Q1; SHBG inversely associated with LTL | difference in standardised LTL 0.12 (CI 0.10–0.13) | P < 0.001 | |
| Standardised LTL by SHBG (multivariable)Between Q1 and Q5 · longer LTL with SHBG Q1 | difference in standardised LTL, with testosterone in the model 0.10 (CI 0.08–0.12) | P < 0.001 | |
| −0.100.10.2Difference (linear scale) |
Original publication
Serum testosterone and sex hormone–binding globulin are inversely associated with leucocyte telomere length in men: a cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank study. Eur J Endocrinol. Published 8 February 2023. doi:10.
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