A cross-sectional analysis of the association between testosterone and biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in men with obesity

Purpose To study the association between testosterone and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) since prior studies have reported inconsistent results. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed including obese men who underwent a liver biopsy and a metabolic and hepatological work-up. Free testosterone (CFT) was calculated by the Vermeulen equation. The association between total testosterone (total T) and CFT on the one hand and NAFLD and fibrosis on the other hand was investigated and corrected for biasing factors such as metabolic parameters. Results In total, 134 men (mean age 45 +/- 12 years, median BMI 39.6 (25.0-64.9) kg/m(2)) were included. The level of total T and CFT did not significantly differ between NAFL and NASH and the stages of steatosis and ballooning. CFT was significantly lower in a higher stage of fibrosis (p = 0.013), not seen for total T and not persisting after controlling for the influence of BMI, HDL cholesterol and HOMA-IR. A higher stage of lobular inflammation was associated with a lower level of total T (p = 0.033), not seen for CFT and not persisting after controlling for the influence of visceral adipose tissue surface and HOMA-IR. Conclusions This is the second largest study investigating the association between testosterone and biopsy-proven NAFLD. No significant association between testosterone levels and NAFLD, and the different histological subgroups or fibrosis was seen. The lower level of CFT in a higher stage of fibrosis and the association between total T and lobular inflammation was driven by poor metabolic parameters.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between testosterone and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A retrospective analysis was performed on obese men who underwent a liver biopsy and metabolic and hepatological work-up. Results showed no significant difference in testosterone levels between NAFLD and NASH, but a lower level of free testosterone was observed in higher stages of fibrosis, which can be explained by poor metabolic parameters.