Dihydrotestosterone, and Not Testosterone, Enhances the LPS-Induced Inflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression in Human Adipocytes

The study examines the impact of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone on inflammatory cytokine expression in human adipocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Conducted with adipocytes from 5 male subjects, the research found that DHT, unlike testosterone, significantly enhances the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, pre-incubation with anastrozole and testosterone (A/T) dramatically increased cytokine expression, suggesting that non-aromatizable androgens like DHT amplify the inflammatory response in adipose tissue. These findings highlight the role of sex hormones in adipose tissue inflammation and their potential impact on obesity-related complications.