Hyperprolactinemia alters insulin resistance profiles in overweight males

Objective. Elevated prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) is an endocrine disorder associated with metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance on many occasions. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for insulin resistance, which is one of the most important determinants of overweight males for hyperprolactinemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of hyperprolactinemia on insulin resistance parameters including HOMA-IR, QUICKI, TG/HDL, and TyG index values in overweight male patients. Patients and Methods. A total of 90 participants were involved in a case-control study including 45 overweight males with hyperprolactinemia and 45 age- and BMI-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were collected for measurement of fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, testosterone, and prolactin. HOMA-IR, QUICKI, TyG index, TG/HDL ratio were used to assess insulin resistance. Results. In hyperprolactinemic individuals, fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and the TyG index were elevated, which indicates increased insulin resistance. In addition, these patients had lower QUICKI values corresponding to lower insulin sensitivity. This was also related to the fact that there was a significant elevation in triglycerides and LDL levels as well as a decrease in HDL. Testosterone was turned negatively with high prolactin level (p<0.01), followed by insulin resistance markers, which were positively correlated with increased prolactin (p<0.001). Conclusions. The results suggest that hyperprolactinemia has a strong association with insulin resistance in overweight males. The elevated prolactin levels found in testosterone deficiency also led to a dysregulated glucose metabolism and lipid abnormalities, and hormonal imbalance underlying the rationale for early screening and metabolic interventions.