ABSTRACT
Drug abuse is associated with numerous complications including hormonal disorders of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and spermatogenic disorders. We have compared the hormone concentration of pituitary-gonadal axis and the semen analysis in opioid-dependent and non-opioid-dependent men. In this case-control study, serum concentration of pituitary- gonadal axis hormones and semen analysis in 48 opioid-dependent men as eligible to participate in the study were compared with those in 12 non-dependent men. Free testosterone concentration in all test groups was significantly less than that in control group. Furthermore, the concentration of Dihydrotestosterone [DHT] and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate [DHEAS] in all test groups except those addicted to heroin was less than in those in control group. Concentrations of LH, FSH, prolactin, SHBG, progesterone and estradiol, normal and abnormal sperm count in test groups were significantly different from control group. However, in all test groups, sperm motility rate was less than control group. No significant relationship was found between the concentration of sex hormones and the status of sperms motility. Chronic use of opioids will affect testosterone hormone and sperm, and it will cause hypogonadism and impairment of sperm motility
ABSTRACT
Iron in the diet can influence the absorption of certain elements including zinc [Zn] and magnesium [Mg]. In this study the effect of iron supplementation on zinc and magnesium concentrations in maternal milk and, plasma at puerperal period were evaluated. Ninety nine non anemic mothers with single pregnancy and normal delivery were randomly enrolled in two groups [iron and placebo group]; blood samples were collected at the time of delivery and also 140 mid 40 days after delivery. Milk samples were collected twice; at two weeks [transient milk] and 40 days after the delivery [mature milk]. They were supplemented orally with either 150mg ferrous sulfate or placebo from the time of delivery for 40 days. Zinc and magnesium concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. The maternal dietary intake for zinc and magnesium were similar between two groups. Mean iron indexes [ferritin, serum iron and TIBC] were not significantly different between two groups at the time of delivery. No significant differences in Zn and Mg levels were detected in maternal milk between two groups but in plasma although there was no significant difference in plasma magnesium concentrations; The zinc concentrations was significantly [p<0.001] decreased in the group receiving iron supplementation [0.076 +/- 0.047mg/dL] compared with the group receiving placebo [0.163 +/- 0.137] until 40 days after delivery. Data from this study suggest that iron supplementation does not affect the contents of these elements in maternal milk but despite the possible improvement in body iron status, it can decrease the plasma zinc concentrations, so the zinc supplementation may be needed with iron