Management of hypogonadism: is there a role for salivary testosterone

Salivary hormone concentrations and technical-tactical performance indicators in beach volleyball: Preliminary evidence

The present study aimed to investigate (i) differences in salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations before, during, and after simulated beach volleyball match, depending on match outcome (winning vs. losing); (ii) the relationship between technical-tactical performance indicators in beach volleyball and salivary hormonal concentrations (i.e., testosterone, cortisol). We hypothesized (i) salivary testosterone concentrations would be greater in winners and salivary cortisol would be lower; (ii) testosterone would associate with positive technical-tactical performance and cortisol would associate with negative technical-tactical performance. Sixteen athletes participated in the study and were grouped according to the result of a simulated game (winners: n = 8; losers: n = 8). Salivary hormone concentration of testosterone and cortisol were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pre-match, post first set, and post-match), and the coefficient of performance and efficiency were used as technical-tactical performance indicators. Regarding testosterone, there was a large effect size for match outcome after the first set (i.e., Winner vs. Losers) and a moderate effect size for the time in winners (pre-match vs. post-match). Regarding cortisol, there was a moderate effect size of time in losers only (pre-match vs. post-match). Moreover, cortisol pre-match was negatively correlated with the offensive performance (attack performance coefficient: r = −0.541; p = 0.030; attack efficiency: r = −0.568; p = 0.022). In conclusion, the effect of match outcome on testosterone and cortisol levels was moderate in winners and losers, respectively. Moreover, resting cortisol concentration appears to be related to a diminished attack technical-tactical performance. However, larger confirmatory studies are required to confirm these data to corroborate winning increases testosterone levels and/or reduces cortisol in a sporting setting.

Comparisons between commercial salivary testosterone enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits

INTRODUCTION

Measuring testosterone concentrations is of interest both in clinical situations and for research, the latter expanding rapidly during recent years. An increased demand for convenient methods has prompted a number of companies to develop enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits to measure testosterone concentrations in saliva. However, the inter-comparability of kits from different manufacturers have yet to be determined.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of this study was to compare commercially available ELISA kits from four different manufacturers (Salimetrics, IBL, DRG and Demeditec).

METHODS

Saliva was collected from 50 participants (25 men and 25 women). Each sample was analysed by the four ELISA kits.

RESULTS

The correlations between the ELISA kits from Demeditec, DRG and Salimetrics were moderate to high with r-values > .77; however, proportional errors between the methods calls for caution. The ELISA kit from IBL malfunctioned and no results from this kit was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from studies using the ELISA kits from Demeditec, DRG and Salimetrics are generally comparable; however, translation using the formulae presented in the current study could increase the accuracy of these comparisons.

Parallel diurnal fluctuation of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and 17OHprogesterone as assessed in serum and saliva: validation of a novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for salivary steroid profiling

Background:

Salivary androgen testing represents a valuable source of biological information. However, the proper measurement of such low levels is challenging for direct immunoassays, lacking adequate accuracy. In the last few years, many conflicting findings reporting low correlation with the serum counterparts have hampered the clinical application of salivary androgen testing. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) makes it possible to overcome previous analytical limits, providing new insights in endocrinology practice.

Methods:

Salivary testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 17OHprogesterone (17OHP) were extracted from 500µL of saliva, separated in 9.5 min LC-gradient and detected by positive electrospray ionization – multiple reaction monitoring. The diurnal variation of salivary and serum androgens was described by a four paired collection protocol (8 am, 12 am, 4 pm and 8 pm) in 19 healthy subjects.

Results:

The assay allowed the quantitation of T, A, DHEA and 17OHP down to 3.40, 6.81, 271.0 and 23.7 pmol/L, respectively, with accuracy between 83.0 and 106.1% for all analytes. A parallel diurnal rhythm in saliva and serum was observed for all androgens, with values decreasing from the morning to the evening time points. Salivary androgen levels revealed a high linear correlation with serum counterparts in both sexes (T: R>0.85; A: R>0.90; DHEA: R>0.73 and 17OHP: R>0.89; p<0.0001 for all).

Conclusions:

Our LC-MS/MS method allowed a sensitive evaluation of androgen salivary levels and represents an optimal technique to explore the relevance of a comprehensive androgen profile as measured in saliva for the study of androgen secretion modulation and activity in physiologic and pathologic states.