(279) the role of testosterone treatment in patients with metabolic syndrome: results from a meta-analysis study

Abstract Objectives Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is often associated with male hypogonadism. Despite the well-known link, the role of testosterone [T] replacement therapy [TRT] on glycometabolic profile and body composition, in patients with metabolic syndrome [MetS], is still conflicting and argue of large scientific debate. The aim of the present study is to meta-analyze the role of TRT in MetS considering all placebo and non-placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials [RCTs]. Methods An extensive Medline search was performed including the following words “testosterone”, “metabolic syndrome” and “males”. No search software was used, but we hand-searched bibliographies of retrieved papers for additional references. Results Overall, 7 studies were available including 576 patients with a mean follow-up of 48.9 weeks. These trials differ in basal TT levels and type of T preparation used. In addition, only 6 were placebo controlled. TRT resulted to significantly improve waist circumferece, fasting glycemia, A1c serum levels, HOMA-Indes and serum tryglycerides (p < 0.001) when all studies were considered, however this difference was not significant when only placebo-controlled studies were considered, except for waist circumference (p= 0.05). When only placebo/controlled RCT were considered, TRT resulted to significantly improve body fat mass (p= 0.04). Conclusions TRT was able to significantly decrease fasting glycaemia, glycosylated hemoglobin, HOMA-IR index, triglyceride levels, fat mass and waist circumference. In contrast, we did not observe any significant effect on total or HDL cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI. When considering only placebo-controlled studies, only differences of HbA1c, HOMA-IR index, triglyceride levels, fat mass and waist circumference retained statistical significance, but not fasting glycaemia, although a trend was apparent. Conflicts of Interest No conflict of interest to declare.