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Quantification of testosterone-dependent erythropoiesis during male puberty

Mancera-Soto E, Ramos-Caballero DM, Magalhaes J, Chaves Gomez S, Schmidt WFJ, Cristancho-Mejía E

Experimental physiology, 2021

Abstract

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? To what extent does testosterone influence haemoglobin formation during male puberty? What is the main finding and its importance? In boys, testosterone might be responsible for about 65% of the increase in haemoglobin mass during puberty. The underlying mechanisms are assumed to be twofold: (i) indirectly, mediated by the increase in lean body mass, and (ii) directly by immediate testosterone effects on erythropoiesis. Thereby, an increase in testosterone of 1 ng/ml is associated with an increase in haemoglobin mass of ∼65 g. These processes are likely to determine endurance performance in adulthood.

ABSTRACT: The amount of haemoglobin during puberty is related to endurance performance in adulthood. During male puberty, testosterone stimulates erythropoiesis and could therefore be used as a marker for later endurance performance. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship between serum testosterone concentration and haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) in both male and female children and adolescents and to evaluate the possible influences of altitude and training. Three-hundred and thirteen differentially trained boys and girls aged from 9 to 18 years and living at altitudes of 1000 and 2600 m above sea level entered the study. The stage of sexual maturation was determined according to the classification of Tanner. Testosterone was measured by ELISA. Hbmass was determined by CO-rebreathing. Haemoglobin…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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