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ANTI-AGING
PROFILE™ *
The Anti-Aging Profile is a measure of the major hormones
which decline with age.
This simple saliva test monitors levels of Insulin-like
Growth Factor (IGF-1), (DHEA) Dehydroepiandrosterone
which typically decline with age, and Cortisol. This
decline is reflected in a reduction in lean body mass,
an increase in body fat, decreased strength or mobility,
low energy and a rise in LDL Cholesterol (the bad Cholesterol).
The
Anti-Aging Profile is a measure of the major hormones
which decline with age. IGF-1 is a mediator of the action
of growth hormone. The levels of IGF-1, unlike growth
hormone, are relatively constant during the day making
its measurement more reliable. IGF-1 levels have been
successful in reducing cholesterol, body fat, blood
pressure, anxiety, and increasing lean muscle, bone
density, HDL, and energy levels. |
DHEA
DHEA
is the most abundant steroid in the body. DHEA is a steroid
precursor produced by the adrenal gland and converted to progesterone,
testosterone, or the estrogens by the body's tissues. Adequate
DHEA levels give the body the building blocks necessary to produce
these hormones. Levels of DHEA are inversely associated with
coronary artery disease. Taking DHEA may increase IGF-1 levels
and increase the sense of well-being. DHEA levels decrease with
age.
In the normal population, the secretion of Insulin-like Growth
Factor (IGF-I) and Dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA) progressively decreases
with age. This decrease is reflected in a reduction in lean body
mass, an increase in body fat, and a rise in low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) cholesterol. Aging is also associated with a lack of physical
strength and mobility. This is often leads to a progressive decline
in independence as well as overall quality of life.
IGF-1
IGF-1 is a peptide hormone produced in response to the secretion
of growth hormone. Unlike the pulsatile pattern of Growth Hormone
(GH) secretion, IGF-1 levels are relatively constant and are a
superior indicator of GH status. DHEA is an adrenal androgenic
steroid which undergoes a dramatic decline with age. DHEA is considered
by some to give a biological measure of age. DHEA, in addition
to having hormonal properties of its own, is a precursor necessary
for the synthesis of androgens and estrogens by the body's tissues.
DHEA is inversely associated with coronary artery disease. Supplements
containing DHEA have increased the sense of well-being in some
patients.
Low levels of IGF-1 are associated with decreased cardiac function,
increased visceral fat mass and frailty due to decreased lean muscle
mass. Frailty in the aged has a significant bearing on quality
of life, decreasing mobility and independence while increasing
the chance of falls, fractures, and subsequent mortality. Exogenous
supplementation with GH has been successful in treating many of
the age related declines in health. Individual differences in IGF-1
synthesis are significant. Dose titration to the upper normal mid-life
range reduces the incidence of side effects and GH insensitivity.
Women have lower sensitivities than age matched men and are likely
to require slightly higher doses of GH.
IGF-1 is a marker for GH secretion.
IGF-1 and DHEA levels decline with age.
DHEA levels are inversely associated with coronary artery disease.
Growth Hormone supplementation should always be monitored by IGF-1
levels and are generally compared to the upper levels of mid-life
ranges.
Summary
IGF-1 and DHEA levels decline progressively with age. Maintaining
levels in more youthful ranges can reverse many of the effects
seen in deficiency, including reduced muscle mass, low energy levels,
and increased visceral obesity.
References
1. Morley JE,
Kaiser F, Raum WJ, Perry HM 3rd, Flood JF, Jensen J, Silver AJ,
Roberts E. Potentially predictive and manipulable blood
serum correlates of aging in the healthy human male: progressive
decreases in bioavailable testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone
sulfate, and the ratio of insulin-like growth factor 1 to growth
hormone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997 Jul 8;94(14):7537-42
2.
Drake WM, Coyte D, Camacho-Hubner C, Jivanji NM, Kaltsas G,
Wood DF, Trainer PJ, Grossman AB, Besser GM, Monson JP.
Optimizing growth
hormone replacement therapy by dose titration in hypopituitary
adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998 Nov;83(11):3913-9
Bengtsson BA, Abs R, Bennmarker H, Monson JP, Feldt-Rasmussen
U, Hernberg-Stahl E, Westberg B, Wilton P, Wuster C. The effects
of
treatment and the individual responsiveness to growth hormone
(GH) replacement therapy in 665 GH-deficient adults. KIMS Study
Group
and the KIMS International Board. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999
Nov;84(11):3929-35
3.
Nippoldt TB, Nair KS. Is there a case for DHEA replacement?
Baillieres Clin Endocrinol Metab 1998 Oct;12(3):507-20
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