PREMATURE AGING MARKERS IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE WITH HYPOPITUITARISM

Background: Premature aging reduces quality of human life, leads to development of “old age diseases” in younger age, and also shortens life expectancy. Aim: Investigation of premature aging markers in women of reproductive age with central untreated hypogonadism in association with other compensated pituitary deficiencies. Materials and methods: Hormonal and biochemical parameters, body mass index (BMI) and body mineral density (BMD) were investigated in 87 women of reproductive age (median – 24 y.o.) with the central untreated hypogonadism in association with other compensated pituitary deficiencies (hypopituitarism) and in 52 healthy age-matched controls. Results: Low levels of estrogens as well as androgens (total and free testosterone, DHEA-S) were found in women with hypopituitarism as compared to the controls. Such markers of premature aging as increased BMI (р=0,025), high levels of cholesterol (р<0,001) and triglycerides (р><0,001), ionized calcium (р><0,001), alkaline phosphatase (p=0,006), and CTx (p=0,025) were revealed; low BMD was found in 87% of patients with hypopituitarism (mainly ><-2.5 SD in lumbar vertebra). Correlation analysis elucidated that hypoandrogenemia as well as hypoestrogenemia was pathogenetic basis of premature aging in women with hypopituitarism and untreated hypogonadism. Conclusion: Such markers of premature aging as BMI increase, dislipidemia, increased levels of bone metabolism markers, and low BMD were revealed in women of reproductive age with uncured hypogonadism and other compensated types of hypophysial insufficiency. Treatment of hypogonadism in this cohort of patients needs to be considered a prevention of the premature aging.