UDC

[612.616.31:577.175.534](470.111)(045)

Authors

Irina N. Gorenko*, Kseniya E. Kipriyanova*, Elena V. Tipisova*
*N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research,
Russian Academy of Sciences (Arkhangelsk, Russian Federation)
Corresponding author: Irina Gorenko, address: prosp. Lomonosova 249, Arkhangelsk, 163000, Russian Federation; e-mail: pushistiy-86@mail.ru

Abstract

During the winter season, cold exposure is an integral part of human life in Arctic and Subarctic areas. Key components of the mechanism of general adaptation are formed and developed through the functional interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system and the sympathoadrenal complex (catecholamines). Our study involved 51 men residing in Nes village (Nenets Autonomous Area, 66°39’N) and aged 22–65 years. The men were divided into three age groups (22–35, 36–45, and 46–65 years). Their adaptive potential was calculated using R.M. Baevsky’s formula. Blood samples were collected to determine the levels of dopamine, progesterone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate as well as total and free testosterone by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To assess the symptoms of age-related androgen deficiency, the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scale was used. We found that adaptive potential increases statistically significantly with age: from 2.6 conventional units in the age group of 22–35 years to 3.17 and 3.08 conventional units in the age group of 36–45 and 46–65 years. Adaptive potential correlates negatively with the levels of progesterone (r = –0.38, p = 0.006), free testosterone (r = –0.28, p = 0.03), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (r = –0.3, p = 0.03) and cortisol (r = –0.24, p = 0.07) and positively with the data of the AMS scale (r = 0.4; p = 0.003). At the same time, 45% of the men reported symptoms of androgen deficiency, from mild to severe, i.e. they scored more than 27 points on the AMS scale. Under the stress of adaptive mechanisms of the circulatory system, there takes place an increased use of catecholamines, which make possible a more economical utilization of energy depots. Low progesterone and high dopamine levels are markers of growing adaptive potential. The adaptive potential’s stress state leads to reduced sex hormones levels. As a compensatory mechanism, the sympathoadrenal system increases its activity.

Keywords

adaptive potential, dopamine, cortisol, sex hormones, men in the European North of Russia

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