Aging is associated with body changes, especially related with the endocrine system. The activity of the GH/IGF-1 axis and production of DHEAS decline significantly with aging, compromising body composition, cardiovascular and cognitive functions. We studied 225 elderly subjects from a community cohort (148 women and 77 men, 70 to 91 years) 80% of whom being considered "successful" (Mini-mental > or = 24 and AVL <=3). We measured basal serum levels of GH, IGF-1 and DHEAS and their possible correlations. Both, BMI and blood pressure levels were significantly higher in women. GH levels were also higher in women (1.6±1.7 vs. 1.0±1.3ng/ml, X±SD, p<0.001), and above the normal range in 14% and 19% of women and men. IGF-1 levels were similar (90±42 and 101±40ng/ml, NS), and were not elevated but low in 35% and 24%, respectively. On the other hand, DHEAS levels were higher in men (86±58 and 54±36µg/dl, p<0.001), but still within normal range in 92% of them. An unexpectedly positive correlation was found between age and basal GH levels in men (r= 0.38, p<0.005), whereas IGF-1 and age correlated negatively in both (r= -0.24 and r= -0.32). In women, DHEAS and IGF-1 correlated positively (r= 0.27). In conclusion, basal GH levels can be found elevated in elderly people and higher in women, whereas IGF-1 levels are normal to low in both groups, suggesting partial hormonal resistance. DHEAS levels were in the low-normal range and higher in men, disclosing the lack of ovarian contribution in women. Furthermore, no correlation was found between DHEAS levels and the clinical parameters studied.
Growth hormone; IGF-1; Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; Aging
