Effects of Peptide YY on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Healthy Men.

Abstract

ContextCentral and peripheral administration of peptide YY (PYY) has potent anorectic effects, and PYY analogs are under development as antiobesity treatments. Recent animal data suggest PYY may also influence the reproductive axis; however the effects of PYY on the human reproductive system are unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of PYY administration on the reproductive axis in healthy young men.DesignSingle-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study.SettingClinical Research Facility, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.ParticipantsEighteen healthy eugonadal men (mean age 24.1 ± 0.9 years, mean body mass index 22.2 ± 0.4 kg/m2).InterventionEight-hour intravenous infusion of 0.4 pmol/kg/min PYY3-36 or rate-matched vehicle infusion.Main Outcome MeasuresNumber of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses, LH, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels.ResultsThe number of LH pulses (mean number of LH pulses/8 hours: PYY 4.4 ± 0.3 vs vehicle 4.4 ± 0.4, P > .99), LH area under the curve (AUC) (PYY 1503 ± 79 IU.min/L vs vehicle 1574 ± 86 IU.min/L, P = .36), FSH AUC (PYY 1158 ± 513 IU.min/L vs vehicle 1199 ± 476 IU.min/L, P = .49) and testosterone AUC (PYY 10 485 ± 684 IU.min/L vs vehicle 11 133 ± 803 IU.min/L, P = .24) were similar during PYY and vehicle infusions.ConclusionsAcute intravenous infusion of 0.4 pmol/kg/min PYY does not affect the reproductive axis in healthy men.