On 9 Feb 1996, Paul M. Schlosser wrote:
> In <Pine.SUN.3.91.960130185034.5649A-100000 at molly>,
> Gary Wilson <gwilson at molly.hsc.unt.edu> writes:
>> [snip]
> >There is also the Syndrome X that is studied in Europe by Per Bjorntorp
> >at the University of Goteburg in Sweden which is also called the
> >metabolic syndrome. The European version includes the factor of stress in
> >the development of the syndrome. Stress causes an increase in cortisol
> >levels and according to Bjorntorp constant stress with no relief can
> >cause chronic high levels of cortisol which in turn leads to insulin
> >resistance and then to hypertension and diabetes.
> >
> >Another symptom of this Syndrome X appears to be a lowering of
> ^^^^^^^^^^^
> >testosterone levels which leads to a lowering of the synthesis of protein
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> >in muscle tissues.
>> [snip]
>> Many of you may be aware of recent attention to apparent drops in
> sperm counts over the last 40-50 years. (As more data is evaluated,
> it looks as if these drops are real.) This makes me wonder if this
> factor is related. Any idea how wide-spread is syndrome X? From
> anecdotal/personal evidence, it sure seems that high levels of stress
> are quite widespread.>
>Paul, I don't know if this syndrome is directly related to the drops in
sperm count but I wouldn't be surprised. As far as the incidence of
Syndrome X in the population, one study estimated that as many as 50% of
all hypertensives might have Syndrome X. Hypertension seems to be the
first symptom to appear in this disorder as it did in my case.
Gary Wilson
