IntroductionIn men suffering from metabolic syndrome, accompanying insulin resistance may result in a lowering of sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) plasma levels and cause changes in their androgenic status.AimThe objective of the research was to assess selected androgens and SHBG plasma levels in males meeting diagnostic criteria for MS compared to healthy males.Patients and methodsThe group consisted of 65 men aged between 40 and 70 years old fitting IDF metabolic syndrome criteria and 84 controls. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEA–S), total and free testosterone and SHBG serum levels were evaluated. Calculated free and bioavailable testosterone were estimated using an algorithm proposed by the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male.ResultsMen diagnosed with MS showed a statistically significant decrease in plasma levels of DHEA in comparison to healthy ones: 11.579 (8.39–15.56) vs 14.014 (9.611–17.125) ng/mL; p = 0.0350, SHBG: 47.46 (35.78–62.83) vs 71.965 (54.45–91.56) nM/L; p<0.0001 and total testosterone: 5.2 (3.8–6.5) vs 6.3 (5.4–8.25) ng/mL; p = 0.0001 (values presented as a median with Q1–Q3).ConclusionThe results suggest that SHBG is a good early marker for metabolic dysregulation in MS, considering its strength of association and significance is comparable to, or better than, those of MS criteria.

Chemerin (CHEM) is a new proinflammatory adipokine involved in the immune, metabolic and reproductive processes. Low–grade state inflammation (LGSI) is a key element in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MS). Low SHBG is a good marker of male hypogonadism in MS. This study evaluated the prognostic value of selected adipokine, LGSI, and androgenic parameters in predicting the risk of MS among men. One hundred thirty-two random men aged 40 to 70 years old were enrolled. Measurements of anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and laboratory tests were carried out. A total of 62 men (47%) were diagnosed with MS. Chemerin concentrations were higher in men diagnosed with MS compared to healthy: 89.48 (78.12–112.10) vs. 77.9 (65.12–98.64) ng/mL; p = .002. Men diagnosed with MS presented with lower levels of total testosterone: 5.75 (4.00–6.57) vs. 6.40 (5.50–8.40) ng/mL; p = .0014 and SHBG: 46.58 (35.13–66.28) vs. 71.97 (56.1–92.7) nM/L; p < 0.000001. Elevated LGSI indices were demonstrated in men with MS as opposed to healthy [IL–18: 530.64 (409.12–640.56) vs. 418.85 (348.14–496.44) pg/mL; p = .000033 and hs–CRP: 2.15 (0.97–4.26) vs. 1.01 (0.41–2.68) ng/mL; p = .0057)]. In multivariate regression analysis, the highest negative predictive value in assessing the risk of MS was SHBG serum concentration, while the highest positive predictive values were: IL-18, hypertriglyceridemia, and waist circumference. Decreased SHBG levels, combined with elevated IL-18 concentrations in men showing hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype, significantly increase the risk of MS.

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