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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2005; 113(9): 522-528
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-865807
Article

J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Low Sex Hormone Binding Globulin is a Potential Marker for the Metabolic Syndrome in Different Ethnic Groups

A. H. Heald1 , S. G. Anderson2 , F. Ivison3 , L. Riste2 , I. Laing3 , J. K. Cruickshank2 , J. M. Gibson1
  • 1Department of Endocrinology, University of Manchester, Salford NHS Trust, Salford, UK
  • 2Clinical Epidemiology Group, University of Manchester Medical School, Manchester, UK
  • 3Clinical Biochemistry Department, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
Further Information

Publication History

Received: March 15, 2005 First decision: May 3, 2005

Accepted: June 10, 2005

Publication Date:
19 October 2005 (online)

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Abstract

Hepatic sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) production is down-regulated by insulin and low levels reflect insulin resistance. Because insulin resistance is closely related to the development of cardiovascular disease in different ethnic groups we examined ethnic variation in SHBG across populations with different baseline cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome prevalence. Participants were population-based, of European (n = 142), Pakistani (n = 130), and African-Caribbean (AfC) origin (n = 193). SHBG, fasting lipids, and glucose concentrations plus insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S) were determined. Age adjusted SHBG was significantly lower in both Pakistani men and women. Circulating SHBG levels were lower in those with impaired vs. normal glucose homeostasis. SHBG correlated positively with HOMA-S (ρ = 0.28, p < 0.001), and negatively with WHR (ρ = - 0.38, p < 0.001), BMI (r = - 0.30, p < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (ρ = - 0.14, p < 0.01) across all ethnic groups. In multivariate logistic regression analysis a low SHBG increased the likelihood of the metabolic syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 0.42 [0.21 - 0.82], p = 0.01) as did higher fasting NEFA (OR 1.47 [1.04 - 2.08], p = 0.03), low IGFBP-1 concentrations (OR 0.6 [0.44 - 0.81], p = 0.001), age (OR 1.05 [1.02 - 1.09], p = 0.003), and Pakistani ethnicity (p = 0.001) in a model which also contained gender, lnCRP, IGF-I, and IGF-II. As ethnic differences in SHBG level closely parallel differences in insulin resistance. Its measurement may be useful in identifying individuals at particular risk of the metabolic syndrome, for early intervention.

Key words

SHBG - insulin resistance - metabolic syndrome

References

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Dr. A H Heald

Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology
University of Manchester
Salford Royal Hospitals University Trust
Hope Hospital

Stott Lane, Salford

Greater Manchester, M6 8 HD

U.K.

Phone: + 01612065146

Fax: + 0 16 12 06 59 89

Email: aheald@fs1.ho.man.ac.uk

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