[Age-dependent decrease in plasma androgens, and role of androgens in bone mineral density and bone metabolism].

Circulating plasma testosterone decreases by 0.5-1% per year after 40 age in men. Bone mineral density (BMD) in men also decreases by about 1% per year after age 40-60. Due to progression of an aging society, the frequency of osteoporosis in elderly men is gradually increased. Androgens have a major role in the growth and the maintenance of both cancellous and cortical bone mass in men. Androgen receptor is expressed in osteoblasts, osteoclasts and bone marrow stromal cells. Androgens have been shown to control the bone formation and resorption by regulating the expression and the activity of several cytokines and growth factors through androgen receptor. In addition to these direct actions, through the aromatase activity estrogens converted from androgens are converted to estrogens which act on bone tissues through estrogen receptor and play an important role in the homeostasis of cancellous and cortical bones in men.