Possible role of schistosoma mansoni infection in male hypogonadism

ABSTRACT

Schistosomiasis has been suggested to decrease the reproductive potential or castrate both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Furthermore, schistosomiasis may cause anatomic anomalies of the reproductive organs responsible for permanent or reversible infertility. To specify the effect of schistosomiasis on gonadal functions, production of testosterone [TS], leutinizing hormone [LH] and estradiol [E2] in Egyptian men infected with Schistosomiasis were studied. All participants were tested for clinical examination, semen, liver function tests and blood level of IL-2. The mean TS levels were at the lowest limit of normal range for liver cirrhotic patients. Mean E2 levels were increased in all patients, but patients with liver cirrhosis-related schistosomiasis had higher E2 levels. Linear regression analysis showed that the sex hormone levels correlated best with the patient's liver function parameters. The present data suggested that a sex hormone imbalance played a role in patients with liver cirrhosis due to the inhibitory effects of schistosomiasis on gonadal functions