Sex Hormones Pattern in Male Patients Suffering from Viral Hepatitis

The liver plays a key role in the biotransformation and clearance of steroid hormones particularly sex hormones. The question whether their metabolism could be deranged in liver diseases is studied in 52 individuals (30 patients with type B viral hepatitis infection and 22 control). The same patients were followed up for a period of 2 months after the appearance of jaundice. Serum testosterone and its metabolite androstenedione were studied as the main steroid male sex hormones. Liver function tests (bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, ALP and HBsAG) were studied in those patients as parameters to diagnose and follow up the liver condition. Serum testosterone levels were found significantly higher during the acute attack of the disease when compared with the control group. No significant difference was detected regarding the serum level of androstenedione in patients (during the acute attack or two months thereafter) when compared with the control group. The elevated levels of testosterone during the acute attack of v...