The effects of testosterone replacement therapy in men with age-dependent hypogonadism on body composition, and serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein

Abstract

Introduction: Age-related hypogonadism in men leads to abnormal body composition development and overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, and thus has atherogenic and potentially cancer promoting effects. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of agedependent testosterone deficiency replacement in men on body composition, serum leptin, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein levels.

Material and methods: Men aged 50-65 years (56.0 ± 5.7, average ± SD), with total testosterone levels < 4 ng/mL, and clinical symptoms of hypogonadism were divided into two groups of 20 men and treated with testosterone (200 mg/two weeks intramuscularly) or placebo during 12 months.

Results: Twelve months of treatment with testosterone led to body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM) decrease from 26.6 ± 2.1 to 26.1 ± 1.8 kg/m², p < 0.05, and from 17.0 ± 4.4 to 15.6 ± 4.0 kg, p < 0.05, respectively. Body mass index and FM did not change in placebo-receiving subjects. Serum leptin and highly selective C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in testosterone group decreased from 6.2 ± 1.4 to 4.0 ± 1.2 μg/L, p < 0.05, and from 1.4 ± 1.2 to 1.0 ± 1.0 mg/L, p < 0.05 after 12 months, respectively. Adiponectin increased from 7.6 ± 2.5 μg/mL to 9.4 ± 2.8 μg/mL, p < 0.05 in the same time. In the placebo group serum leptin, adiponectin, and hsCRP levels did not change significantly.

Conclusions: Testosterone replacement in men with age-related hypogonadism causes a decrease in body mass index, fat mass, serum leptin, and C-reactive protein levels and increases serum adiponectin levels.

Keywords: aging male; cytokines; fat mass; hormonal supplementation.