Background: Previous studies reported inconsistent effects of testosterone therapy on the lipid profile in men with hypogonadism.
Methods: Of 361 men with hypogonadism and T2DM, 183 received TU 1000 mg/12 weeks (T-group), 178 opted against treatment (CTRL). Changes over time between groups were compared and adjusted for age, weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, blood pressure, lipids and quality of life to account for baseline differences between the two groups.
Results: Mean follow-up 8.7±3.1, baseline age: 61.8±5.3 years. Total cholesterol (mmol/L for all lipids) decreased by 2.9±0.1 (unadjusted from 8.3±1.1 to 5.2±0.3) at 12 years in T-group and increased by 1.3±0.1 (7.1±1.2 to 8.2±1.4) in CTRL. (p<0.0001 for both). HDL increased by 0.5±0.0 (1.0±0.4 to 1.6±0.4) in T-group and decreased by 0.3±0.0 (1.1±0.5 to 0.1±0.4) in CTRL (p<0.0001 for both). The total cholesterol:HDL ratio decreased by 5.6±0.3 (9.7±4.3 to 3.4±0.7) in T-group and increased by 5.5±0.3 (8.0±3.9 to 12.1±6.1) in CTRL. (p<0.0001 for both). LDL decreased by 1.9±0.1 (4.7±0.9 to 2.6±0.2) in T-group and increased by 1.0±0.1 (4.1±1.4 to 4.9±1.5) in CTRL (p<0.0001 for both). Triglyceride decreased by 1.1±0.0 (3.5±0.6 to 2.2±0.1) in T-group and increased by 0.6±0.0 (3.1±0.6 to 3.7±0.5) in CTRL (p<0.0001 for both). Non-HDL decreased by 3.4±0.1 (7.3±1.2 to 3.6±0.3) in T-group and increased by 1.6±0.1 (6.0±1.4 to 7.4±1.5) in CTRL (p<0.0001 for both). Remnant cholesterol decreased by 1.5±0.1 (2.6±1.0 to 0.9±0.3) in T-group and increased by 0.6±0.1 (2.0±1.0 to 2.4±0.7) in CTRL (p<0.0001 for both). The triglyceride:HDL ratio decreased by 5.3±0.4 (9.4±4.4 to 3.2±0.8) in T-group and increased by 5.7±0.4 (8.0±4.1 to 12.5±6.0) in CTRL (p<0.0001 for both).
Conclusions: Long-term treatment with TU in men with hypogonadism and T2DM progressively improved the lipid profile, which worsened in controls.
F. Saad: Consultant; Self; Bayer AG, Stock/Shareholder; Self; AbbVie Inc., Bayer AG, Novo Nordisk. K. S. Haider: Other Relationship; Self; Bayer AG. A. Haider: Other Relationship; Self; Bayer AG.
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