Gender-Specific Independent and Combined Effects of the Progesterone and 17-Hydroxyprogesterone on Metabolic Syndrome: From the Henan Rural Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Although the concentrations of progesterone (P4) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) have been correlated with some characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the relationships with MetS are inconclusive. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between P4 and 17-OHP with MetS. METHODS: In all, the present study includes 4807 participants. Serum P4 and 17-OHP were measured through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the independent and combined effects of P4 and 17-OHP on MetS. RESULTS: After adjusting for multiple variables, the positive association of P4 with MetS was observed in postmenopausal women (Third tertiles vs First tertiles: OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.20–1.86) and the negative association of 17-OHP with MetS was observed in men (Third tertiles vs First tertiles: OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32–0.58). Compared with the combination of low P4 and low 17-OHP, the combination of high P4 and high 17-OHP were significantly related to MetS in postmenopausal women (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.18–2.48). Moreover, the combination of low P4 and high 17-OHP was negatively associated with MetS in men (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24–0.69). CONCLUSION: The association between P4 and MetS in postmenopausal women was positive, whereas 17-OHP was negatively associated with MetS in men. Additionally, their combination has a synergistic effect on MetS in postmenopausal women and an antagonistic effect on MetS in men.