Anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B levels reflect altered Sertoli cell function in men with metabolic syndrome.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the Sertoli cell markers inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in men with metabolic syndrome (MS). Twenty patients with MS according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation and 20 non obese age-matched men were investigated. The levels of testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), gonadotropins, inhibin B and AMH were measured in all of them. In obese patients with MS total testosterone (15.74 ± 6.95 versus 27.84 ± 12.80 nmol l(-1), P = 0.001), SHBG (21.71 ± 11.08 versus 38.80 ± 17.51 nmol l(-1), P = 0.001) and free testosterone (430.35 ± 237.40 versus 613.85 ± 303.65 pmol l(-1), P = 0.040) were significantly lower than in the controls. Interestingly, the inhibin B (103.64 ± 56.77 versus 149.88 ± 68.31 pg ml(-1), P = 0.025) and AMH levels (30.84 ± 13.14 versus 43.14 ± 9.66 pmol l(-1), P = 0.002) were also significantly lower in MS group in comparison to the other participants. The lowest levels of AMH were found in patients with MS and carbohydrate disturbances. The decreased concentrations of testosterone, inhibin B and AMH in patients with MS could reflect an impaired Leydig and Sertoli cell function. Further studies in men with obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes type 2 could reveal more information about the interrelations between the metabolic disturbances and reproductive function in men.