To investigate changes in insulin sensitivity and associated changes in plasma proteome following 3 months of sex hormone therapy in transgender individuals undergoing feminizing or masculinizing treatment.
Key Findings:
Feminizing hormone therapy resulted in a significant increase in insulin sensitivity (M-value: +23.3%, M/I ratio: +20.2%; P < .05).
No changes in insulin sensitivity were observed during masculinizing hormone therapy.
A total of 49 differentially expressed plasma proteins were identified during feminizing therapy, and 356 during masculinizing therapy, with 16 correlating with changes in insulin sensitivity, including proteins involved in immunoregulation and inflammation.
Interpretation:
Feminizing hormone therapy enhances insulin sensitivity, potentially through mechanisms involving immunoregulation, inflammation, iron homeostasis, and oxidative stress, highlighting the role of sex hormones in metabolic health and suggesting areas for further research.
Limitations:
The study had a small sample size and was limited to individuals aged 17 to 40, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Insulin sensitivity was only assessed at one site due to logistical reasons.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the impact of sex hormones on insulin sensitivity and suggest implications for sex-specific precision medicine.
by Sarah A van Eeghen, Laura Pyle, Phoom Narongkiatikhun, Ye Ji Choi, Taryn G Vosters, Irene G M van Valkengoed, Petter Bjornstad, Sarah E Siegelaar, Natalie J Nokoff, Martin den Heijer, Daniël H van Raalte
