US EPA

7429643 

Journal Article 

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and the Metabolic Syndrome 

Hammond, GL; , 

2017 

Springer International Publishing 

Cham 

Male Hypogonadism 

305-324 

10.1007/978-3-319-53298-1_15 

http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-53298-1_15
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Sex steroids are implicated in the etiology of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) with different effects in men and women that likely reflect the sex dimorphic balance between circulating testosterone and estradiol levels. In men, low testosterone levels are a major risk factor for the MetS, and testosterone replacement therapy has been proposed as treatment option for associated conditions, i.e., type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The plasma levels and tissue availability of androgens and estrogens are regulated by sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), reduced plasma levels of which are a risk factor for the development of MetS. This chapter reviews the biochemical and molecular properties of SHBG and its role in the regulation of androgen and estrogen action; the molecular mechanisms that control the hepatic production of plasma SHBG, and how these are dysregulated in MetS patients. New information linking genetic mutations that may influence SHBG production or function with the etiology of MS-associated diseases are discussed. The utility of plasma SHBG and free testosterone measurements as biomarkers of MetS risk is also reviewed.