Sex Differences in Androgen Regulation of Metabolism in Nonhuman Primates

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2017:1043:559-574. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-70178-3_24.

Abstract

The in-depth characterization of sex differences relevant to human physiology requires the judicious use of a variety of animal models and human clinical data. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) represent an important experimental system that bridges rodent studies and clinical investigations. NHP studies have been especially useful in understanding the role of sex hormones in development and metabolism and also allow the elucidation of the effects of pertinent dietary influences on physiology pertinent to disease states such as obesity and diabetes. This chapter summarizes the current state of our understanding of androgen effects on male and female NHP metabolism relevant to hypogonadism in human males and polycystic ovary syndrome in human females. This review will also focus on the interaction between altered androgen levels and dietary restriction and excess, in particular the Western-style diet that underlies significant human pathophysiology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caloric Restriction
  • Diet, Western / adverse effects
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / etiology
  • Hypogonadism / metabolism
  • Hypogonadism / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / etiology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / metabolism
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Primates / metabolism*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Sex Factors
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones