An association between adropin hormone and total testosterone in obese men: a case-control study

Background: Obesity is associated with low testosterone levels that could be caused by many mechanisms. Adropin, a peptide hormone, its levels are decreased in obesity and its receptors are expressed in the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the testis. Adropin association to total testosterone in obese men is not detected yet. This study tries to find out possible associations between serum levels of adropin, adiponectin, total testosterone, and lipid profile in obese men. Methods: Serum levels of adropin, adiponectin, total testosterone, and lipid profile parameters were measured in 43 obese men and 40 age-matched normal-weight men. Results: Adropin, adiponectin, and testosterone levels were significantly lower in obese men versus normal-weight men. In all participants, positive correlations between adropin, adiponectin, and total testosterone were detected. Adropin is considered a predictor risk factor for testosterone. Conclusions: This study suggests a possible causal relationship between adropin and total testosterone which needs further investigation. Trial registration: Clincialtrials.gov NCT03724825, registered October 30th, 2018.