Lipoprotein Lipase and Postheparin Esterase Activity After the Administration of Testosterone to Healthy Men and Women and to Patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver

Abstract

Lipoprotein lipase and postheparin esterase activity was determined in groups of healthy men and women and in a group of men with cirrhosis of the liver before the administration of 125 mg testosterone propionate (5 × 25 mg intramuscularly) on the day after the completion of treatment and six weeks later. Lipoprotein lipase and postheparin esterase activity increased significantly in all groups under the influence of testosterone with the exception of lipoprotein lipase in cirrhotics where the increase in activity was not significant. Postheparin esterase reacted to the hormone with a much greater increase in activity which lasted longer than in the case of lipoprotein lipase. The greatest increase in postheparin esterase was recorded in cirrhotics where it amounted to 300% of the initial value. Testosterone acted on these two lipolytic enzymes opposite to the effect of estrogens. This effect is attributed to its anabolic action and to the altered metabolism of this hormone.