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Reduction of calprotectin and phosphate during testosterone therapy in aging men: a randomized controlled trial

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Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the effect of testosterone treatment on biomarkers calprotectin, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), soluble Klotho, phosphate, calcium, parathyroid hormone, creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Design

Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Setting

Odense Androgen Study—the effect of Testim and training in hypogonadal men.

Participants

Men aged 60–78 years old with a low normal concentration of free of bioavailable testosterone <7.3 nmol/L and waist circumference >94 cm recruited from 2008 to 2009 (N = 48) by advertisement.

Intervention

Participants were randomized to receive 5–10 g gel/50–100 mg testosterone (Testim®, Ipsen, France) or 5–10 g gel/placebo.

Results

The plasma levels of calprotectin and phosphate were significantly reduced in the group receiving testosterone therapy (gel) compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Testosterone treatment did not have any significant effect on plasma levels of FGF23 or soluble Klotho. The reduction in phosphate levels was inversely associated with bioavailable testosterone.

Conclusion

Compared to the placebo group, 6 months of testosterone therapy (gel) reduced calprotectin and phosphate levels suggesting decreased inflammation and decreased cardiovascular risk.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Chemistry, Holbæk Hospital, Smedelundsgade 60, 4300, Holbæk, Denmark

    L. Pedersen

  2. Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000, Odense, Denmark

    L. L. Christensen & M. Andersen

  3. Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000, Odense, Denmark

    S. M. Pedersen

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  1. L. Pedersen
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  2. L. L. Christensen
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  3. S. M. Pedersen
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  4. M. Andersen
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Correspondence to L. Pedersen.

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Authors state that there was no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

The research study was approved by the Ethics local committee at Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Project ID S-20070051) and declared in Clinical Trials (identifier: NCT00700024).

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Blood samples were obtained after receiving an informed written consent from the participants.

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Pedersen, L., Christensen, L.L., Pedersen, S.M. et al. Reduction of calprotectin and phosphate during testosterone therapy in aging men: a randomized controlled trial. J Endocrinol Invest 40, 529–538 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-016-0597-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-016-0597-3

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