Testosterone and Lipolysis, Insulin Sensitivity and Protein Metabolism

Testosterone(T) has known effects on many organ systems, although many of its metabolic actions are unrevealed. T is an anabolic hormone stimulating protein synthesis but this effect has barely been investigated in controlled studies. It also has lipolytic actions influencing body composition, but little is known of its regional impact on fat tissue. T affects insulin sensitivity. There is an increased incidence of hypogonadism in type 2 diabetes, and among patients with hypogonadism there is an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes. The actions of testosterone on glucose metabolism are unknown.

The purpose of this study is therefore to:

Investigate the lipolytic effect of testosterone on muscle and fat tissue. To gain insight in the intracellular mechanisms of testosterone on lipolysis and investigate possible regional differences in lipolysis and changes in body composition.

Finally to investigate the effect of short term experimental hypogonadism and acute testosterone substitution on cytokines, insulin sensitivity and protein metabolism.

The trial is a randomised double blinded cross-over study of 4 x 2 days with an interval of 1 month in between. 12 healthy young men will receive GnRH treatment over a 3 month period and examined on 4 occasions with various degrees of T substitution and placebo . The examinations take place at the Research Lab within the Medical Department M.

The investigations are deemed relevant to the understanding of the interrelationship between male hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes. The hypothesis is that T has beneficial effects on carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. The generated knowledge would therefore hopefully improve prophylaxis, screening and early treatment of both group of patients.