Open AccessAge and training intensity differently affect male runners' endocrine and sexual parameters
Author(s) -
G. Passavanti,
Antonio Paoli,
Alex Rizzato,
Ilaria Ceccarelli,
Paolo Fiorenzani,
Ilenia Casini,
Anna Maria Aloisi
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
chinese journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.396
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 2666-0059
pISSN - 0304-4920
DOI - 10.4103/cjp.cjp_91_21
Subject(s) - testosterone (patch) , affect (linguistics) , medicine , endocrinology , hormone , sex hormone binding globulin , endocrine system , subclinical infection , sexual function , free testosterone , secondary sex characteristic , physiology , psychology , androgen , communication
Physical activity is widely recognized to improve health and its inclusion in daily life at all ages is highly recommended. Gonadal hormones are known to be affected by physical activity. The exercise-induced effects on male runners of different ages were investigated by dividing 31 runners by age (Young, Y, 30-55 years; Old, O, 56-70 years) and amount of training (Light, L, <50 km/week; Heavy, H, 50 or more km/week). To test the somatic, sexual, and psychological health aspects, the Aging Male's Symptoms Scale (AMS) and the International Index of Erectile Function-6 (IIEF-6) questionnaires were administered and blood samples were drawn for adrenocorticotropic hormone, testosterone (Total-TT), free testosterone (Free-T), cortisol (C), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol, and sex hormone-binding globulin determinations. Clinical evaluations and questionnaire results showed the presence in all groups of some subclinical symptoms and "Light" dysfunctions. TT in the old-heavy (OH) group was significantly lower than in the OL group (2.38 ± 0.18 ng/mL vs. 3.36 ± 0.44 ng/ml, P = 0.05). The TT/DHT ratio was significantly higher in YH than in OH (3.64 ± 0.16 vs. 2.92 ± 0.23, P < 0.05). TT was positively correlated with AMS sexual subscale and negatively correlated with IIEF-6. Physical activity can significantly affect andrological health and testosterone levels in runners at all ages. Thus, due to the important testosterone-mediated vital functions in men, the evaluation of these parameters would be indicated in old as well as in young subjects.