Testosterone decreases adiponectin levels in female to male transsexuals

Aim:To evaluate the effect of testosterone(T)on adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients.Methods:We measured adiponectin,leptin,luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone,T,estradiol,lipid profile,biochemical parameters and body composition in 16 transsexual female patients at baseline and after 6 months of Ttreatment(100mg Testoviron Depot/10 days,i.m.).Results:Adiponectin levels were 16.9±7.3 mg/mL at baselineand 13.5±7.4 mg/mL at month 6 of T treatment(P<0.05).Leptin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreasedsignificantly,whereas body mass index,waist circumference and lean body mass increased significantly after 6months of T treatment.No changes in insulin or Homeostasis Model Assessment were detected.Conclusion:T cansignificantly reduce adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients.(Asian JAndro12006 Nov;8:725-729)