Serum testosterone depression as a factor influencing the general condition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Testosterone has been recognized for its anabolic properties. It has been documented that in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic hypoxia, disease severity, smoking, and corticosteroid treatment may contribute to low testosterone levels.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of decreased serum testosterone concentration in male COPD patients and its influence on their condition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 90 male patients, aged 67.2 ±8.8 years in all stages of airflow limitation severity (mild n = 6, moderate n = 43, severe n = 28 and very severe n = 13) Serum testosterone concentration was evaluated using ELISA method (Testosterone ELISE LDN). Decreased serum testosterone level was defined as a value of less than 3 ng/mL. Testosterone levels were related clinical features of COPD.

RESULTS: Serum testosterone concentration did not differ in patients with different stages of airflow limitation severity (3.8 ±0.7 ng/mL for mild: 3.6 ±2.1 ng/mL for moderate; 3.4 ±1.2 ng/mL for severe and 3.7 ±1.7 ng/mL for very severe, respectively). Decreased serum testosterone was found in 30 patients (group A). There were no differences in age, the number of exacerbations or CRP concentration between patients with decreased and the normal serum testosterone group (group B). Group A was characterized by a lower FEV1, shorter 6-minute walking distance, longer smoking history and higher BMI, but no differences in body composition and densitometry results were found.

CONCLUSIONS: Serum testosterone depression may occur in as much as 30% of male COPD patients in all COPD stages of severity. The relationship between serum testosterone and negative COPD prognostic factors indicates its influence on the natural history of the disease.