Analysis of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels in Northern men: regional specificities

Background: The effective body adaptation to climate and geographical extreme conditions is determined by the individual adaptive mechanisms based on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Aim: To identify the region-associated characteristics and assess the fluctuations of the mean levels of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate in Northern men. Material and methods: To achieve this aim, the overall sample enrolled 70 male residents (mean age: 43.2±0.8 years) of the Magadan Region, in which the morning serum concentrations of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and the evening level of salivary cortisol were evaluated. The study was performed using the immunochromatographic assay and the enzyme immunoassay. Results: For the first time in the Magadan Region, the morning (43.1±2.8 ng/mL) and evening (9.3±0.7 ng/mL) levels of salivary cortisol were studied. The findings evidence that the mean values of the analyzed parameters exceed the established normal limits, while the circadian rhythms remain unchanged. The study has also identified the region-specific functional activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis characterized by high mean concentrations of cortisol (406.7±12.2 nmol/L) that confirm the relative hypercorticism in the Northerners, while dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate concentrations remain optimal (9.96±0.40 µmol/L). In the other regions of the country, the mean values of the latter are substantially lower. Meanwhile, the ratio of the above hormones (2.38±0.10 CU) reflects preserved adaptation capabilities of the Northerners. Conclusion: The North residents have a region-specific (northern) endocrine profile confirming the generally accepted role of glucocorticoids in the hormonal support of the body adaptation to extreme factors including the climate and geographic conditions.