Levels of Testosterone, Progesterone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone in Male Sickle Cell Subjects in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi

Abstract

Background of study: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells accompanied with fertility challenges. Apart from distortions in sex hormone levels, accessory sex organs abnormalities may occur. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fertility status of male subjects with sickle cell disease using progesterone, testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels as markers. Materials and methods: A total of 90 male subjects (consisting of 30 HbSS subjects in steady state, 30 HbAS individuals and 30 normal subjects (HbAA) as the control subjects) aged 18 to 65 years were randomly recruited for this study. The genotypes of the subjects were determined using electrophoretic procedure while the serum testosterone, FSH and progesterone levels were assessed using ELISA technique. Full blood count was determined by the Sysmex automated procedure and the disease severity was evaluated using the severity scoring technique. Result: There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the mean serum level of testosterone in the different blood genotype groups. Furthermore, a non-significant positive correlation existed between the serum levels of testosterone (r = 0.287), progesterone (r = 0.198) and FSH (r = 0.078) when compared with disease severity in HbSS subjects in steady state (r = 0.287) (P > 0.05) respectively. Conclusion: The significantly decreased serum level of testosterone in HbSS subjects compared with the HbAS and HbAA individuals suggests that there is an increased risk of infertility in male individuals with sickle cell disease.