Evaluating changes in body composition, bone mass, and metabolic profile in an animal model undergoing transfeminine hormone therapy and physical exercise
Ísis Gois , Débora C.K. Lichtenecker , Nathália Beserra , Emily Rocha Cordeiro , Isadora Gonçalves Almeida , Isabela Borges da Silveira , João Guimarães Ferreira , Felipe Behrends Rodrigues , Charlles Heldan de Moura Castro , Guiomar Nascimento Gomes , Magnus R. Dias-da-Silva
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background & aims
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is essential for transgender individuals seeking body modifications. For transfeminine people assigned male at birth, GAHT typically involves a combination of antiandrogens and estrogens. Despite its importance, the scientific literature presents inconsistencies regarding the effects of these hormones on nutritional status, body composition, and biochemical markers. This study aims to evaluate the impact of estradiol enanthate and dihydroxyprogesterone acetophenide (E2EN/DHPA) hormonal treatment, in conjunction with resistive physical exercise, on body composition and metabolic profiles.
Methods
Twenty-eight male rats were divided into three groups: MO (control group, n = 8), receiving sesame oil vehicle; MH (n = 11), receiving E2EN/DHPA; and MEH (n = 9), receiving E2EN/DHPA along with physical exercise. The hormonal treatment was administered every ten days for two months, while the exercise regimen involved stair climbing with progressively increasing weights, performed five times weekly for seven weeks. Evaluated parameters included body mass index (BMI), body composition (fat and lean mass), bone mineral density (BMD), and lipid profile (triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C).
Results
The rats that received E2EN/DHPA showed significant changes in body composition and BMI, regardless of exercise. The MH group had increased body fat, while both the MH and MEH groups had decreased bone area and mineral content. However, BMD remained the same across all groups. Elevated triglyceride levels were observed, and the MEH group also had reduced LDL-C levels. HDL-C levels did not show significant variation.
Conclusion
The study's findings show similarities to changes seen in transfeminine individuals undergoing GAHT with estrogen and antiandrogens. These changes include decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, preserved bone mineral density, and elevated triglycerides. The study also found that resistance exercise positively impacted lipid profiles, particularly in reducing LDL-C. These results highlight the need for further research and comparative trials on hormone therapy regimens.
期刊介绍:
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN is an electronic-only journal and is an official publication of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). Nutrition and nutritional care have gained wide clinical and scientific interest during the past decades. The increasing knowledge of metabolic disturbances and nutritional assessment in chronic and acute diseases has stimulated rapid advances in design, development and clinical application of nutritional support. The aims of ESPEN are to encourage the rapid diffusion of knowledge and its application in the field of clinical nutrition and metabolism. Published bimonthly, Clinical Nutrition ESPEN focuses on publishing articles on the relationship between nutrition and disease in the setting of basic science and clinical practice. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN is available to all members of ESPEN and to all subscribers of Clinical Nutrition.