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Horm Metab Res 2006; 38(4): 241-245
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-925338
Original
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Plasma Variation of Corticosteroid-binding Globulin and Sex Hormone-binding Globulin

J.  G.  Lewis1 , B.  Möpert1 , B.  I.  Shand2 , M.  P.  Doogue3 , S.  G.  Soule3 , C.  M.  Frampton3 , P.  A.  Elder1
  • 1 Steroid and Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • 2 Lipid and Diabetes Research Group, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • 3 Department of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
Further Information

Publication History

Received 2 August 2005

Accepted after revision 21 October 2005

Publication Date:
15 May 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) circulate in plasma and bind their cognate ligands with high affinity, offering a steroid delivery system to target tissues by a variety of mechanisms. Analysis of these steroid-binding proteins is gaining importance in the clinical setting, although more information is warranted on their diurnal and biological variation. This study shows that plasma SHBG (in normal subjects) exhibits little diurnal or biological variation over the 30 day period studied, in contrast to CBG, where plasma levels peak in the early afternoon. This leads to attenuation of the diurnal free cortisol level rhythm compared to total cortisol. We also show that plasma CBG is significantly lower in male subjects with the metabolic syndrome compared to age-matched lean counterparts, and may therefore act as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. The consequence of lower levels of CBG in these obese male subjects is reflected by higher levels of circulating free cortisol, potentially offering a more favourable environment for adipogenesis.

Key words

Cortisol · obesity · metabolic syndrome · CBG · SHBG

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John G. Lewis

Steroid and Immunobiochemistry Laboratory

Canterbury Health Laboratories · P.O. Box 151 · Christchurch · New Zealand

Fax: +64 (3) 36 40-889

Email: john.lewis@cdhb.govt.nz