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Testosterone replacement therapy restores normal ghrelin in hypogonadal men
Uberto Pagotto1, Alessandra Gambineri, Carla Pelusi
1Endocrine Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy 40138.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 13, 2003
Summary
Low testosterone in men is linked to lower ghrelin levels. Testosterone replacement therapy increased ghrelin, suggesting sex hormones influence this appetite hormone.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Androgens and ghrelin interactions were previously noted in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Hypogonadism, characterized by low testosterone, may affect ghrelin levels and metabolic parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sex steroids, specifically testosterone, and circulating ghrelin levels in hypogonadal men.
- To assess the impact of testosterone replacement therapy on ghrelin concentrations and associated metabolic factors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional comparison of hypogonadal men with matched overweight/obese and normal weight control groups.
- Measurement of total and free testosterone, plasma ghrelin, anthropometric parameters, and insulin resistance indexes.
- Analysis of ghrelin levels before and after a 6-month testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men.
Main Results:
- Hypogonadal men exhibited significantly lower total and free testosterone and ghrelin levels compared to controls.
- A positive correlation was observed between ghrelin and testosterone concentrations, independent of anthropometric and insulin resistance factors.
- Testosterone replacement therapy increased ghrelin levels in hypogonadal men, normalizing them relative to control groups.
Conclusions:
- Sex hormones, particularly testosterone, play a significant role in modulating circulating ghrelin concentrations in men.
- Ghrelin may be an integral component of the endocrine network linking reproductive function and energy balance regulation.