Effects of androgens in men with the metabolic syndrome

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome is well recognized as the association between obesity, elevated blood lipids, hypertension, hepatic steatosis, impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes mellitus type II and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Recently, several publications have demonstrated that uisceral accumulation of fat seems to be more important than general obesity and that several endocrine disturbances should be included in this syndrome. The first observations concerning the importance of body fat distribution and endocrine disturbances, however, were made in the 1940s and later confirmed by further research. Concerning the endocrine disturbances, we have specifically found that abdominal, i.e. visceral, type of obesity is associated with low levels of sex steroids in both men and women, increased Cortisol activity as well as a blunted growth hormone action. In several hormonal intervention studies, we have also demonstrated favorable effects on visceral obesity, insulin sensitivity, blood lipids and blood pressure. Furthermore, recent results from our research group have indicated that this complex of signs and diseases is associated with psychiatric signs such as mental stress, signs of melancholy and decreased life satisfaction. In order to explain better the possible pathogenesis of these risk factors and diseases, the term ‘the neuroendocrine syndrome’ seems to be more adequate. This article willfocus on important biological mechanisms in hormonal intervention strategies, especially androgen treatment, for patients with this syndrome.

Key Words:

• TESTOSTERONE
• OBESITY
• DIABETES
• METABOLIC SYNDROME