Burke et al.91 reported that race walkers who trained for 3 weeks on a low-carbohydrate diet (2.1 g/kg BW/d) did not improve their 10-km race walk performance compared with those who consumed a high-carbohydrate diet (8.6 g/kg BW/d). During hard 2-a-day training sessions (day 3), glycogen concentration can be lowered to the point at which contractile dysfunction (fatigue) occurs. As exercise progresses, the activity of glycogen phosphorylase falls as glycogen stores are reduced and as plasma free fatty acids become more available as substrates. A Bar graph shows liver triglyceride levels obtained from liver biopsies in all three groups of patients. In contrast, macrovesicular steatosis was dramatically reduced in testosterone-treated hypogonadal subjects (Fig. 4 panel f). B, c Display the correlation of liver triglyceride levels with steatosis and NAS scores, respectively. Figure 3 reports liver NAFLD activity score (NAS) and steatosis score according to the three experimental groups (eugonadal, untreated hypogonadal and T-treated hypogonadal). AMS Aging Males’ Symptoms scale, BMI body mass index, cFT calculated free testosterone, T testosterone, TTh testosterone therapy Variation of biochemical and clinical parameters relative to hypoandrogenism in hypogonadal (HYPO) vs. hypogonadal subjects treated with testosterone (HYPO + TTh), V1 (surgery) vs. baseline. Since only intrahepatic cholesteryl esters but not CHO levels increased after this combinatory treatment, cholesteryl esters synthesis might happen with a simultaneous CHO biosynthesis. In accordance, TP plus GH treatment reduced hepatic CHO, with concomitant increase of cholesteryl esters, compared to GH monotherapy, indicating an antagonistic hormonal interaction. The increase in hepatic TG by combination of T and GH also suggests a synergistic lipogenic effect which was supported by the increased expression of Scd1 and lipogenic genes (e.g., Me, malate dehydrogenase) (88). In contrast to T, GH increased hepatic TG, but decreased FFA whereas the levels of DG were notably increased by GH and/or TP treatment. In addition to a direct AR-dependent effect in liver, the effects of T on lipid metabolism might result from its interaction with GH (13–15). In our study, T replacement in TXOX rats increased FFA levels while reducing TG, and modified the ratio SFA/MUFA, affecting the unsaturation index of hepatocytes. Sufficient carbohydrate ingestion during exercise helps maintain liver glycogen stores21,22 and has been reported to spare glycogen in type II (fast-twitch) muscle cells.23 Interestingly, neither short-term fasting nor prolonged sedentary behavior affect muscle glycogen stores, although cardiac muscle glycogen may be increased during fasting as gluconeogenic substrates such as amino acids and glycerol are converted to glucose and stored as glycogen to ensure the heart has adequate energy stores.10 During intense, intermittent exercise and throughout prolonged physical activity, muscle glycogen particles are broken down, freeing glucose molecules that muscle cells then oxidize through anaerobic and aerobic processes to produce the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules required for muscle contraction.1 The rate at which muscle glycogen is degraded depends primarily upon the intensity of physical activity; the greater the exercise intensity, the greater the rate at which muscle glycogen is degraded. In addition, the Tfm mouse is a model of global AR dysfunction and severely reduced testosterone levels from birth, therefore we cannot rule out any developmental effects of these factors on tissues which may influence the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. The present exploratory study is limited to target expression data, and while it indicates potential metabolic effects of testosterone it does not directly assess metabolic function. We have previously shown, however, that testosterone has additional actions on hepatic and aortic lipid accumulation in Tfm mice even with aromatase inhibition and ER blockade 16, 17. Additionally, Tfm mice displayed lower SAT Ppara (a master regulator of fatty acid oxidation) expression, suggesting that testosterone deficiency may further inhibit lipid regulation. This means they are less likely to harm the liver directly. Most forms of TRT, like injections and skin gels, do not go through the liver in the same way that oral medications do. In these cases, it is important to figure out what is causing the rise and whether treatment should be changed or stopped. It is noteworthy that the risk for NAFLD in women with PCOS is independent of obesity or insulin resistance but is triggered directly by the hepatotoxic, destructive effect in the liver, indicated by elevated level of alanine aminotransferase . NAFLD is frequently present in PCOS women with excessive production of androgens by the ovaries and thus elevated circulating level of androgens, suggesting that abnormally high level of androgens in women may contribute to increased fat storage in the liver. The AR knockout animals are well developed, but the membrane-only AR knockout animals are not established yet, and that is why the exact role of membrane AR in liver metabolism is unclear. When a blood test shows that liver enzymes are high, it may be a sign that the liver is under stress or damaged. These enzymes help the liver do important jobs like breaking down food, cleaning the blood, and making energy. Regular blood tests, along with good communication between the patient and doctor, are key to safe and effective hormone therapy. It also gives peace of mind to patients, knowing that their treatment is being carefully checked. While TRT might help some people with NAFLD, it could also lead to liver enzyme changes or even worsen liver health in others. Doctors also look at other risk factors when checking the liver. If enzyme levels stay high or keep rising, more testing is usually needed to find the cause. Often, the only clue is a mild rise in liver enzymes like ALT or AST on a blood test. These tests can also help check if the liver is stiff or scarred. Doctors might need to order an ultrasound, a FibroScan, or other imaging tests to see how much fat is in the liver. A simple blood test may not be enough to tell if the liver is healthy.