Age-related changes in sleep in depressed and normal subjects

Introduction: Limited data are reported about age related changes of LA and RA functions, and interatrial relationship. Methods: 131 normal subjects (19-78 yrs, 89 women), divided in 4 age groups, were studied by conventional and speckle tracking echo (STE). LA and RA volumes were measured: pre atrial contraction (Vp), minimal (Vmin), and maximal (Vmax), and computed to define atrial ejection fractions: active EF = (Vp-Vmin)/Vp; expansion index EI = (Vmax-Vmin)/Vmin; passive EF = (Vmax-Vp)/Vmax. Active function was assessed from negative strain at atrial contraction (GSA-) and time from P onset to peak (TGSA-), and late diastolic strain rate (GSRL); passive function from positive global strain (GSA+) and time from R to peak (TGSA+), and from early negative diastolic SR (GSRE); reservoir function from the sum of GSA- and GSA+ (SUMGSA), positive global SR at the beginning of ventricular systole (GSR+) and derived time from P onset (TGSR+). We defined for LA a maximal difference (DIF) of all derived times, as a measurement of LA synchrony, and also a difference between RA times and maximal correspondent LA times, as an interatrial synchrony. Results: All LAEFs, Vmin, and Vp decreased over 50 yrs, and Vmax over 60 yrs. RA reservoir function decreased over 60 yrs, while passive RA function over 50 yrs. Active LA function (GSRL) decreased over 60 yrs. LA reservoir and conduit function decreased over 50 yrs. All derived times were increased over 40 yrs. LA and also interatrial contraction and relaxation synchrony were altered only after 60 yrs (all p<0.001) (Tables). Correspondent RA and LA functions are significantly correlated, irrespective of age (r=0.6, p<0.001). Conclusion: Although LA and RA functions are strongly correlated, they have different age related changes. RA volumes, EFs, and active function were not affected by age, whereas LAEFs, volumes, passive and reservoir LA and RA functions decreased over 50 yrs. LA and also interatrial synchrony were altered after 60 yrs.

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Sex- and Age-Related Changes in Epitestosterone in Relation to Pregnenolone Sulfate and Testosterone in Normal Subjects

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jcem.87.5.8499 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 87 (5) ◽

pp. 2225-2231 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Helena Havlíková ◽

Martin Hill ◽

Richard Hampl ◽

Luboš Stárka

Keyword(s):

Sharp Decrease ◽

Normal Subjects ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Serum Concentrations ◽

Pregnenolone Sulfate ◽

Men And Women ◽

Age Related ◽

Age Dependent ◽

Prepubertal Boys ◽

Age Related Changes

Epitestosterone has been demonstrated to act at various levels as a weak antiandrogen. So far, its serum levels have been followed up only in males. Epitestosterone and its major circulating precursor pregnenolone sulfate and T were measured in serum from 211 healthy women and 386 men to find out whether serum concentrations of epitestosterone are sufficient to exert its antiandrogenic actions. In women, epitestosterone exhibited a maximum around 20 yr of age, followed by a continuous decline up to menopause and by a further increase in the postmenopause. In men, maximum epitestosterone levels were detected at around 35 yr of age, followed by a continuous decrease. Pregnenolone sulfate levels in women reached their maximum at about age 32 yr and then declined continuously, and in males the maximum was reached about 5 yr earlier and then remained nearly constant. Epitestosterone correlated with pregnenolone sulfate only in males. In both sexes a sharp decrease of the epitestosterone/T ratio around puberty occurred. In conclusion, concentrations of epitestosterone and pregnenolone sulfate are age dependent and, at least in prepubertal boys and girls, epitestosterone reaches or even exceeds the concentrations of T, thus supporting its role as an endogenous antiandrogen. The dissimilarities in the course of epitestosterone levels through the lifespan of men and women and its relation to pregnenolone sulfate concentrations raise the question of the contribution of the adrenals and gonads to the production of both steroids and even to the uniformity of the mechanism of epitestosterone formation.

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