[Establishment of reference range for serum 11-oxygenated androgens in adult males from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region].

Abstract

Objective This study aims to establish a reference interval for 11-oxygenated androgens in Guangxi males using an liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS）-based detection method, which provides a reference for clinical practice. MethodsA stratified random sampling by age group was performed on males from the China Precision Cohort with the physical examination data and serum samples being retrieved. A total of 419 male participants aged from 18 to 60 years were included and divided into three age groups: including 143 cases aged 18－30 years, 170 cases aged 31－45 years, and 106 cases aged 46－60 years. Eight adrenal corticosteroids, including corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol,18-hydroxycortisol, androstenedione,11β-hydroxy androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were quantified using LC-MS/MS. The characteristics of 11-oxandrolone levels, as well as their correlations with other steroid hormones and metabolic indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids were analyzed. Results The serum levels of Corticosterone, A4, DHEA and DHEAS exhibited a significant negative correlation with age (P<0.001), while levels of 11-OH-A4, cortisone, cortisol and 18-OH-cortisol remained unchanged across age groups. The eight corticosteroid hormones demonstrated significant intercorrelations, but no significant association was observed with BMI or serum lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, HDL and LDL. The serum reference interval for 11-OH-A4 in adult males aged from 18 to 60 years in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was recommended at 3.71-6.50 nmol/L. Conclusion Adrenal corticosteroids such as corticosterone and DHEA decrease with age, while adrenal 11-OH-A4 levels remain stable. Establishing the reference interval for serum 11-OH-A4 in adult males holds significant reference value for its clinical translation and application.

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