Men's health in type 2 diabetes. Focus on metabolic and antioxidant properties of testosterone

Abstract

Oxidative stress is the pathogenetic basis for the progression of T2DM. It is important to evaluate antioxidant properties of testosterone medications used for the management of male hypogonadism (a comorbidity of T2DM). Aim: to evaluate antioxidant properties of testosterone hormone replacement therapy (THRT) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Material and methods: the randomized (1:1) clinical trial included 108 patients with type 2 diabetes, visceral obesity and hypogonadism. The treatment group received THRT for 12 months. The changes in metabolic (glycemic and non-glycemic) parameters and activity of antioxidant protection enzymes - superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxiase, (GPO), were evaluated. The ΔOxS index was suggested to characterize the changes in oxidative stress. Results: THRT was associated with improved metabolic and antioxidant status. Increased SOD and GPO activity against a background of THRT was 32.4 ± 5.6 U/l and 580 ± 68 U/ml, respectively (p < 0.05). ΔOxS was characterized by positive changes only in the treatment group, indicating a decrease in oxidative stress during THRT. Conclusions: in patients with visceral obesity and T2DM, THRT contributed to improvement in metabolic parameters and elimination of oxidative stress and glucose-lypo-toxicity, and that could potentially reduce the risk of progression of type 2 diabetes and its complications.