Nesfatin-1, Kisspeptin, 5-Alpha Reductase-1, and Aromatase in Men with Metabolic Syndrome and Hypogonadism

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MS)-associated hypogonadism in men is a prominent issue and occurs through complex pathogenetic pathways. We investigated levels of kisspeptin, nesfatin-1, aromatase, 5-alpha reductase-1 (5AR-1), and gene expressions of aromatase and 5AR-1 that affect these pathways. Methods: Twenty six hypogonadal males with MS (group 1), 26 eugonadal males with MS (group 2), and 26 healthy males (group 3) in Pamukkale University Hospital were included in this study. Serum kisspeptin, nesfatin-1, aromatase, and 5AR-1 levels were determined by ELISA, and gene expressions were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed in the SPSS 25.0 program. Results: Kisspeptin and nesfatin-1 levels in groups 1 and 2 were similar but lower than in group 3 (P = .001). Aromatase and 5AR-1 levels were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 3 (P = .006, P < .001). Aromatase levels of groups 1 and 2 were also similar. 5AR-1 and aromatase expressions were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Nesfatin-1 can be a mediator in the pathogenesis of MS but not directly for hypogonadism. As a regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, kisspeptin may affect this pathogenesis just by MS. 5-Alpha reductase-1 may also act on hypogonadism. Hypogonadism may be a case affected by the process rather than its main result of aromatase.