Open AccessIntegrity of hypothalamic–pituitary‐testicular axis in exceptional longevity
Author(s) -
Aleksic Sandra,
Desai Dimpi,
Ye Kenny,
Duran Sally,
Gao Tina,
Crandall Jill,
Atzmon Gil,
Barzilai Nir,
Milman Sofiya
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
aging cell
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.103
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1474-9726
pISSN - 1474-9718
DOI - 10.1111/acel.13656
Subject(s) - longevity , hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis , testosterone (patch) , hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis , endocrinology , luteinizing hormone , medicine , biology , mirroring , hypothalamus , hormone , physiology , thyroid hormones , psychology , communication , genetics
Hypothalamic integrity increasingly is being recognized as a marker of healthy longevity in rodent models. Insight into hypothalamic function in humans with exceptional longevity can be gained via investigation of the hypothalamic–pituitary‐testicular (HPT) axis in men with exceptional longevity. This study aimed to characterize the HPT axis function, defined by levels of testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH), in 84 Ashkenazi Jewish men aged 90–106 years. We found that 94% of men exhibited preserved hypothalamic–pituitary function, as evidenced by either normal testosterone and LH levels (25%) or an appropriate rise in LH in response to aging‐related primary testicular dysfunction (69%), a hormone pattern mirroring female menopause. Total T level was not associated with metabolic parameters or survival. These results demonstrate a high prevalence of testicular dysfunction with preserved hypothalamic–pituitary function in men with exceptional longevity. Thus, the role of hypothalamic integrity and HPT axis in healthy aging warrants further investigation.