sCD163 and sex steroids

Soluble CD163 (sCD163) is linked to low-grade inflammation states, including diabetes, obesity, liver disease, and atherosclerosis, all of which are prevalent in Turner Syndrome (TS) and Klinefelter Syndrome (KS). Thomsen and colleagues assessed the levels and regulation of sCD163 with regard to treatment with sex hormone therapy in males with KS and females with TS. They found that males with KS had higher levels of sCD163 compared with controls and the levels correlated to plasma testosterone. Treatment with testosterone did not significantly lower sCD163. Females with TS not receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had higher levels of sCD163 than controls. HRT and oral contraceptive therapy decreased sCD163 in TS. Thus, levels of sCD163 correlate with endogenous testosterone in KS. Both endogenous and exogenous estradiol in TS was associated with lower levels of sCD163.

Read the full article at Thomsen et al. (2013) Endocrine Connections 2; 216–224; DOI: 10.1530/EC-13-0067