Correlations between serum testosterone and irisin levels in a sample of Egyptian men with metabolic syndrome; (case-control study).

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in men is a common problem. Several studies highlight that testosterone deficiency is associated with metabolic disorders that may be explained by "myokines". Irisin is an adipo-myokine that has beneficial metabolic effects.

Aim: To evaluate serum testosterone in a sample of Egyptian men with MetS diagnosed by NCEP ATP III, and correlate it with serum irisin level.

Methods: A total of 90 men (60 with MetS and 30 healthy age-matched controls) participated in the study. Testosterone level is estimated by an automated system, Irisin level was measured by ELISA.

Results: Circulating irisin was positively correlated with serum testosterone and was significantly lower in patients with MetS.

Conclusion: This study highlights the effect of serum testosterone on irisin formation from skeletal muscle. Recommendations treatments of MetS may include testosterone supplementation. Further studies are needed to elucidate this association.