Testosterone decreases adiponectin levels in female to male transsexuals.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of testosterone (T) on adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients.


METHODS
We measured adiponectin, leptin, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, T, estradiol, lipid profile, biochemical parameters and body composition in 16 transsexual female patients at baseline and after 6 months of T treatment (100 mg Testoviron Depot /10 days, i.m.).


RESULTS
Adiponectin levels were 16.9 +/- 7.3 mg/mL at baseline and 13.5 +/- 7.4 mg/mL at month 6 of T treatment (P < 0.05). Leptin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly, whereas body mass index, waist circumference and lean body mass increased significantly after 6 months of T treatment. No changes in insulin or Homeostasis Model Assessment were detected.


CONCLUSIONS
T can significantly reduce adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients.
Berra
Marta
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S. Orsola Hospital, Via Massarenti 13, Bologna 40138, Italy.
Armillotta
Francesca
F
D'Emidio
Laura
L
Costantino
Antonietta
A
Martorana
Giuseppe
G
Pelusi
Giuseppe
G
Meriggiola
Maria Cristina
MC
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000378:metabolism; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000187:drug effects; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000188:drug therapy*
C499918:ADIPOQ protein, human; D052242:Adiponectin; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D020738:Leptin; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013739:Testosterone; D002784:Cholesterol