Introduction: Functional hypogonadism frequently affects men with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Testosterone replacement therapy significantly improves symptoms of hypogonadism and testosterone levels but may negatively impact spermatogenesis. The effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on type 2 diabetes and obesity are well established, but their impact on functional hypogonadism remains insufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of treatment with semaglutide and testosterone undecanoate on endocrine and metabolic parameters, taste perception, and eating behavior in men with functional hypogonadism, type 2 diebetes, and obesity.
Methods: We conducted a randomized, open-label clinical trial in 25 men aged 50 years (46,1; 59,7) with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and functional hypogonadism. They were treated with subcutaneous semaglutide or intramuscular testosterone undecanoate over 24 weeks. Endocrine parameters were assessed at randomization and study completion, hypogonadism symptoms were evaluated, semen analysis was performed, a taste perception test was conducted, eating behavior was assessed, and a biopsy of subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained.
Results: Total testosterone levels significantly increased in both groups, in testosterone group 6,9 nmol/L (2,3; 12,1); in semaglutide group 1,6 nmol/L (0,7; 8,2)), with a significantly greater increase in the testosterone group (p < 0,002). Treatment with semaglutide significantly increased the number of morphologically normal sperm (relative change: 0,37 (relative change 0,21; 0,88), p = 0,012), while testosterone therapy significantly reduced sperm concentration (relative change -0,67 (-0,88; -0,54), p = 0,028) and total sperm count (relative change -0,59 (-0,87; -0,50), p = 0,018). Both groups showed significant improvement in hypogonadism symptoms assessed with Aging males' symptoms questionnaire (both p < 0,05), with no differences between them (p > 0,05). Sexual function, assessed with International Index of erectile function 15 questionnaire, significantly improved only in the testosterone-treated group (p < 0,05). Taste perception did not change in either group (all p > 0,05). Only in the semaglutide group was a reduction in uncontrolled eating observed (p < 0,05). No changes in expression of messenger ribonucleic acid for glucose transporter type 4 in subcutaneous adipose tissue were detected in either group (p > 0,05).
Conclusion: Treatment with semaglutide significantly improved total testosterone concentration and alleviated hypogonadism symptoms, though less pronounced than testosterone therapy. Unlike testosterone, semaglutide had a beneficial effect on semen quality.
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