Clinical and Biochemical Parameters of Androgen Action in Normal Healthy Caucasian Versus Chinese Subjects

The study compared androgen action between 184 Caucasian and Chinese subjects, focusing on chest hair density and serum levels of androgen metabolites. Caucasian men had significantly higher chest hair scores (3.0 vs. 0.8) and elevated levels of 5 alpha-reduced androgen products compared to Chinese men. Serum 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide and androsterone glucuronide levels were notably higher in Caucasians for both men and women. Although total and bioavailable testosterone levels were similar across groups, precursor androgens were higher in Caucasian men. The findings suggested racial differences in 5 alpha-reductase activity, potentially explaining increased body hair in Caucasian men.