STARSHIP: Study of Telomeres And Role of Sex Hormones In Pulmonary fibrosis

The STARSHIP study examined the relationship between telomere length, sex hormones, and fibrotic interstitial lung disease (F-ILD) in 102 patients and control groups. Patients had shorter leukocyte telomeres (4.57 kb) compared to controls (4.78 kb). Male F-ILD patients showed lower bioavailable testosterone (4.95 nmol/L) versus controls (6.40 nmol/L) and higher SHBG levels. Female patients had a lower free androgen index. Lower free testosterone in males was associated with increased mortality (HR=2.66). Sex hormones were associated with reduced lung function and survival. Researchers recommend further studies on sex hormone supplementation.