Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Serum (Male) is a protein produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones, particularly testosterone and estrogen, and transports them in the blood. When SHBG levels are measured, it provides insight into the amount of testosterone available for the body's tissues to use. This is important because only a fraction of testosterone is free and biologically active, while the rest is bound to SHBG and other proteins. High levels of SHBG can reduce the amount of free testosterone, potentially leading to symptoms of low testosterone such as fatigue, decreased libido, and mood changes. Conversely, low SHBG levels might indicate conditions like obesity, hypothyroidism, or type 2 diabetes. By assessing SHBG levels, healthcare providers can better understand a patient's hormonal balance and tailor treatments for conditions related to hormonal imbalances, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to men's health.

The standard male reference range for Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) typically varies depending on the laboratory and the specific testing methods used. However, a common reference range for adult males is approximately 10 to 57 nmol/L. It's important to note that reference ranges can differ slightly between labs, so it's always best to refer to the specific range provided by the testing laboratory, such as Labcorp, for the most accurate interpretation of results.

Sex hormone-binding globulin is a protein that binds primarily to testosterone, making it biologically unusable by our bodies. For this reason, an abnormal level of SHBG indicates that too much or too little testosterone is present in the tissues. In men, this can cause sexual issues like erectile dysfunction or infertility. In women, it can cause irregular menstruation or excess facial hair growth. A healthcare professional may order a SHBG test when total testosterone levels do not fit with one or more of the above-mentioned symptoms.

What are normal SHBG levels?
The normal ranges for SHBG concentrations in adults are:

Males: 10 to 57 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L)
Females (nonpregnant): 18 to 144 nmol/L

Men typically have lower SHBG levels than women. However, a man’s SHBG level will usually increase with age as his testosterone levels drop.

Pregnancy usually raises SHBG levels. They typically return to normal after childbirth.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a significant pathogen detected in GI tests that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. STEC infection often occurs through the consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly undercooked beef, raw milk, and fresh produce. Patients infected with STEC may experience symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and occasionally fever. The presence of Shiga toxin in E. coli is particularly concerning because it can lead to serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can cause kidney failure, especially in young children and the elderly.

Epidemiology

- Fecal contamination of ingested foods (undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, juice, and water)

Clinical Implications

- Symptoms may include severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea

- Toxins may elicit strong inflammatory response

E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. Although most strains of these bacteria are harmless, some produce toxins that can make you sick and cause diarrhea (loose stool/poop) such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

Anyone can get STEC infection. Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to develop serious infection, but healthy older children and young adults can also become seriously ill.

Shigella spp. are non-sporulating bacteria that belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Shigella infections account for 5% to 20% of all diarrheal episodes throughout the world, and although these infections are commonly seen in children younger than five years old, they can be found in adults of all ages. Shigellosis often begins with fever, watery diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, and can progress to bloody diarrhea.

SCFAs are produced from the fermentation of fibre and protein by certain components of the gut microflora. The SCFAs produced from the fermentation of fibre by probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli have a range of beneficial effects from serving as a fuel for cells lining the intestine (and the rest of the body) to creating an acidic intestinal environment that is unfavourable to potential pathogens.