ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To evaluate the effect of testosterone (T) on adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We measured adiponectin, leptin, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, T, estradiol, lipid profile, biochemical parameters and body composition in 16 transsexual female patients at baseline and after 6 months of T treatment (100 mg Testoviron Depot /10 days, i.m.).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Adiponectin levels were 16.9 +/- 7.3 mg/mL at baseline and 13.5 +/- 7.4 mg/mL at month 6 of T treatment (P < 0.05). Leptin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly, whereas body mass index, waist circumference and lean body mass increased significantly after 6 months of T treatment. No changes in insulin or Homeostasis Model Assessment were detected.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>T can significantly reduce adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients.</p>