Androgen Receptor - NutraPedia

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Androgen Receptor (AR)

1) Studied Conditions

The androgen receptor has been extensively studied in various conditions, most notably in:

Prostate cancer
Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy's disease)
Breast cancer

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Androgen receptors play a significant role in the progression and treatment of certain conditions. In prostate cancer, for example, therapies that target the androgen receptor can be effective in controlling the disease. Anti-androgens or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are common treatments that work by inhibiting the receptor or lowering androgen levels. Similarly, in conditions like PCOS, treatments that affect androgen receptor activity may help manage symptoms like hirsutism and acne.

3) Health Benefits

Activation of the androgen receptor by its natural ligands, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is crucial for the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics, muscle mass, bone density, and overall sexual function. It also plays a role in hair growth and has been targeted in the treatment of androgen-related skin and hair conditions.

4) Downsides

The androgen receptor can also have downsides when improperly activated or inhibited. For instance, excessive activation can lead to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or contribute to the progression of hormone-sensitive cancers. On the other hand, androgen deprivation can lead to side effects such as sexual dysfunction, decreased bone density, and metabolic issues.

5) Genetic Variations

Genetic variations in the androgen receptor gene (AR gene) can influence the activity of the receptor. For example, certain polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer or may affect the progression of the disease. Other variations can influence the effectiveness of anti-androgen therapies. In addition, mutations in the AR gene can lead to androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), where the body's tissues are less responsive or unresponsive to androgens, affecting sexual development.

Impact of Androgen Receptor (AR) Gene Polymorphisms on Male Sexual Function and Other Conditions

Androgen Receptor CAG Polymorphism and Sexual Function

A study examining the influence of AR gene CAG polymorphism on male sexual function found that increased CAG repeats were inversely related to erectile and orgasmic function in eugonadal men but had no significant correlation in hypogonadal men. GGC repeats did not correlate with sexual function regardless of testosterone levels, suggesting specific effects of CAG polymorphism on sexual function in men with normal testosterone.

AR-CAG Repeat Polymorphism and HPG Axis Function

Investigation into the relationship between AR-CAG repeat length and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function revealed no significant link with testosterone or LH levels but a negative correlation with FSH levels, indicating a modest effect on HPG axis regulation.

AR CAG Repeat Length and Anxiety in Older Males

A study found that longer AR CAG repeat lengths were associated with higher anxiety levels in older males, suggesting a potential genetic risk factor for increased anxiety.

AR Polymorphisms and Male-to-Female Transsexualism

Research on the genetic factors contributing to male-to-female transsexualism highlighted a significant difference in ERbeta gene repeat polymorphism but mixed results for AR and aromatase gene polymorphisms, suggesting a potential partial genetic influence on the condition.

AR Gene CAG Repeat Polymorphism and Recovery of Sexual Function Post-TRT

Men with shorter AR gene CAG repeat numbers showed better recovery of sexual function following testosterone replacement therapy, indicating an independent effect of AR gene CAG repeat length on sexual function recovery.

AR Gene Polymorphism and Age-Related Symptoms and Diseases

Recent findings suggest that AR gene polymorphisms can influence age-related symptoms and diseases in men, affecting hormonal sensitivity and physiology.

Testosterone Levels, AR CAG Repeat Length, and Vitality in Middle-aged Men

The relationship between testosterone levels and vitality is moderated by AR CAG repeat length, with shorter repeats linked to lower vitality in men with low testosterone.

AR CAG Repeat Polymorphism and Pubertal Development in Girls

Shorter CAG repeat lengths in the AR gene, indicating increased AR activity, were correlated with earlier pubarche and reduced central fat accumulation in prepubertal girls with high DHEAS levels.

AR Gene CAG/GGN Repeat Polymorphisms and Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism Treatment Response

A lower number of CAG repeats in the AR gene may be linked to a better response to hormone therapy in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, while GGN repeat length showed no effect on treatment outcomes.

AR Gene CAG Repeat Polymorphism and Androgenetic Alopecia, Hirsutism, and Acne

Shorter CAG repeat lengths in the AR gene are associated with androgen-mediated skin disorders such as androgenetic alopecia, hirsutism, and acne.

Mental Rotation Abilities, Testosterone, and AR Gene Polymorphism in Intellectually Gifted Boys

The study indicates that prenatal testosterone levels and AR gene CAG repeat polymorphism affect intellectual abilities, such as mental rotation, in gifted boys.

AR CAG Repeat Length Testing and Hypogonadism Treatment

The clinical value of AR CAG repeat number testing in the management of hypogonadism remains unclear, with potential future applications for personalized testosterone treatments.

Androgen Receptor CAG Polymorphism, Androgen Sensitivity, and Testosterone Therapy

The effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy may vary based on the length of AR CAG repeats, suggesting a role for genetics in determining individual responses to treatment.

Androgen Receptor GGN Repeat Polymorphism and Receptor Activity

Research shows that variations in GGN repeat length can significantly impact AR function, with the GGN23 variant displaying superior activity, especially at high concentrations of DHT.

AR CAG Polymorphism, Serum Testosterone, and Andropausal Symptoms

Men with normal testosterone concentrations but longer AR CAG repeat lengths are at a higher risk for andropausal symptoms, emphasizing the need for a multifactorial approach in evaluation.

Genetic Influence on Athletic Performance

Specific PPAR alleles are associated with elite status in various sports disciplines, indicating a genetic influence on the potential to achieve elite sports status.

Vitamin D and Male Fertility

Vitamin D is positively associated with semen quality and male fertility, influencing testicular function and sperm cell activity.

AR CAG Repeat Length and Athleticism

Longer CAG repeats in the AR gene are associated with increased muscle mass and strength, contributing to the success of power athletes.

AR (CAG)n Repeat Polymorphism and Pubertal Gynecomastia

No direct link between AR (CAG)n length and pubertal gynecomastia was found, but associations with BMI SDS suggest an indirect influence on the condition's development.

CYP21A2 Gene and Severe Acne Vulgaris

The CYP21A2 gene shows a significant association with severe acne vulgaris in male Han Chinese patients, suggesting a genetic role in the disease's development.

eNOS Gene Variants and Male Infertility

eNOS gene variants may be risk factors for idiopathic asthenozoospermia and male infertility, indicating a need for further validation studies.

Finasteride Efficacy and AR Gene Polymorphism in Male Pattern Baldness

Patients with fewer CAG and GGC repeats in the AR gene respond better to finasteride treatment for male pattern baldness.

AR CAG Repeat Polymorphism and Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy's impact on physical performance, mood, and metabolism may be influenced by AR CAG repeat polymorphism, affecting treatment effectiveness.

Testosterone Undecanoate Therapy and AR Gene CAG Polymorphism

Intramuscular testosterone undecanoate therapy is generally safe, with AR gene CAG repeat lengths and testosterone levels influencing therapy safety and efficacy.

Repurposing Drugs for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Network-based drug repurposing identified four drugs with potential to treat core symptoms of ASD, warranting consideration for clinical trials.

AR Polymorphism and Serum Sex Steroid Levels

No significant correlation was found between the length of the AR gene CAG repeats and sex steroid or lipid levels in healthy men.

AR Gene CAG Repeat Polymorphism and Hypoxic Training Response

Shorter AR gene CAG repeat lengths are linked to greater improvements in VO₂max following hypoxic training in young men.

AR and FSHR Gene Variants on Sperm Motility

Combined genotypes of AR and FSHR gene variants were associated with changes in sperm motility, with specific combinations affecting semen quality.

AR Gene CAG Polymorphism and Male Infertility

A meta-analysis supports the association between longer AR CAG repeat lengths and a higher risk of male infertility, including azoospermia.

AR Gene Polyglutamine Tracts and Male Infertility

Longer polyglutamine tracts in the AR gene are associated with an increased risk of impaired spermatogenesis due to decreased AR functionality.

AR CAG Repeat Length and Idiopathic Male Infertility

Infertile men have longer AR CAG repeat lengths compared to fertile men, suggesting a significant association with idiopathic male infertility.

AR CAG Repeat Polymorphism and Bone Metabolism Post-TRT

Shorter AR CAG repeat tracts are associated with greater improvements in bone density due to testosterone replacement therapy.

AR CAG Repeats and Semen Quality Across Ethnicities

Longer AR CAG repeats are associated with poorer semen quality in certain ethnic groups, indicating a genetic link to male subfertility.

Role of Short Tandem Repeats in Gene Regulation

Recent studies highlight the potential regulatory roles of short tandem repeats in genes, suggesting their importance in normal biological functions and risk for neurological disorders.

AR CAG Polymorphism and Sexual Function in LOH Men

Longer AR CAG repeat tracts may reduce the beneficial effects of testosterone replacement therapy on sexual function in men with late-onset hypogonadism.

AR Gene CAG Repeat Polymorphism and Acne Susceptibility

Shorter AR gene CAG repeat polymorphism is a genetic indicator of acne susceptibility in Han males.

AR and eNOS Gene Variants on Sperm Quality

Combined effects of AR and eNOS gene variants may influence sperm quality and contribute to reduced fertility in men with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia.

Genetic Markers for Testosterone and Muscle Characteristics

Genetic markers linked to higher testosterone levels are associated with larger fast-twitch muscle fibers, fat-free mass, and handgrip strength, potentially influencing athletic aptitude.

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