Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

HDL cholesterol subfractions and the effect of testosterone replacement in hypogonadism

E Bolu1, A Sonmez, S Tapan

  • 1Gulhane School of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey.

Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|April 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hypogonadism is linked to poor cardiovascular health and unfavorable HDL composition. Testosterone replacement therapy did not improve these metabolic issues or HDL subfractions in a six-month study.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Hypogonadism is associated with increased metabolic disorders and cardiovascular events.
  • Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) composition is a critical cardiovascular risk predictor, yet its subfractions in hypogonadism remain understudied.
  • Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) presents unique metabolic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate HDL subfractions in treatment-naïve young males with CHH.
  • To evaluate the effects of two distinct testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) regimens on HDL subfractions.
  • To assess the relationship between total testosterone levels and HDL subfractions.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 70 young males with CHH and 70 age/BMI-matched healthy controls.
  • Participants received either intramuscular testosterone esters (250 mg every 3 weeks) or daily transdermal testosterone (50 mg).
  • Biochemical analyses included HDL subfractions (HDL2, HDL3), insulin resistance markers (HOMA-IR), and other metabolic parameters.

Main Results:

  • CHH patients exhibited higher insulin, HOMA-IR, waist circumference (WC), triglycerides, and diastolic blood pressure compared to controls.
  • While total HDL cholesterol was similar, hypogonadal patients had lower HDL2 and higher HDL3 levels.
  • Total testosterone levels were independent predictors of HDL2 subfractions. Six months of TRT showed no significant improvement in metabolic issues or HDL composition, with no difference between treatment arms.

Conclusions:

  • Hypogonadism is characterized by dysmetabolic features and unfavorable HDL composition (lower HDL2, higher HDL3).
  • Testosterone replacement therapy over six months did not ameliorate these metabolic problems or improve HDL subfraction profiles.
  • Further mechanistic studies are needed to elucidate the cardiovascular implications of altered HDL composition in hypogonadism.

More Related Videos

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation01:26

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...