Last updated July 22, 2026
Key finding
At week 40, patients receiving testosterone had a median reduction in absolute liver fat of 3.5% (IQR 2.9%-6.4%) compared with an increase of 1.2% in the placebo arm (between-group difference 4.7% P < 0.001).
This study investigated the effects of testosterone therapy on liver fat in men with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone levels, finding a significant reduction in liver fat compared to placebo.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
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Study focus
This study investigated the effects of testosterone therapy on liver fat in men with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone levels, finding a significant reduction in liver fat compared to placebo.
The findings are significant as they indicate that testosterone therapy may help reduce hepatic steatosis, a condition linked to increased risk of liver disease and metabolic disorders. This could have important implications for treating men with type 2 diabetes who often have low testosterone levels and associated liver complications.
The study's sample size and duration may limit generalizability. Effectiveness of testosterone therapy remains unclear for broader populations. Potential confounding factors were not fully explored.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Ross A, Emily G, Darren W, et al. Testosterone therapy reduces hepatic steatosis in men with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone concentrations. World Journal of Hepatology. 2022;14(4):754-765. doi:10.4254/wjh.v14.i4.754
Testosterone therapy reduced liver fat by 3.5% (p < 0.001) compared to placebo.
Placebo group experienced a 1.2% increase in liver fat.
Median ALT levels were 34 units/L in the testosterone group and 32 units/L in the placebo group.
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Testosterone therapy and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Liver fat content.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Testosterone therapy
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
0
Related topics
2
Evidence pairs
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Related studies
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Testosterone therapy → Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Testosterone therapy → Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Testosterone therapy and Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers, Testosterone therapy and Liver fat content.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Medications
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers
Measures Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Liver fat content
Measures Liver fat content as a key outcome.
All studies on Testosterone therapy
Contributes to Testosterone therapy evidence base.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Testosterone therapy appears to improve Liver fat content.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Liver fat content
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Testosterone therapy for Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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