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ObjectivesThe risk of some cancers is positively associated with body weight, which may influence circulating levels of sex-steroid hormones, insulin and IGF-I. Interrelationships between these hormones and the associations with adiposity were evaluated in healthy women participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was performed on anthropometric and hormonal data from 743 pre- and 1217 postmenopausal women. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were used as indicators of adiposity. C-peptide, Insulin Growth Factor (IGF)-I, Insulin Growth Factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3, androgens, estrogens and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by immunoassays; free sex steroid concentrations were calculated.ResultsBMI and waist circumference were positively correlated with estrogens in postmenopausal women and with C-peptide, free testosterone and inversely with SHBG in all women. C-peptide and IGF-I were inversely correlated with SHBG, and positively with free sex steroids in postmenopausal women. IGF-I was positively associated with postmenopausal estrogens and androgen concentrations in all women.ConclusionsSex-steroid concentrations appear to be regulated along several axes. Adiposity correlated directly with estrogens in postmenopausal women and with insulin, resulting in lower SHBG and increased levels of free sex steroids. Independent of adiposity and insulin, IGF-I was associated with decreased SHBG levels, and increased concentrations of androgens and postmenopausal estrogens.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s10552-004-7472-9

Type

Journal article

Journal

Cancer causes & control : CCC

Publication Date

06/2005

Volume

16

Pages

561 - 572

Addresses

International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon CEDEX 08, France.

Keywords

Humans, C-Peptide, Insulin-Like Growth Factor I, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin, Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3, Androgens, Estrogens, Body Mass Index, Waist-Hip Ratio, Prospective Studies, Cross-Sectional Studies, Postmenopause, Premenopause, Middle Aged, Female