Testosterone Changes in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis Before and After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation and Its Correlation With Meld

Abstract

Context Hypogonadism is a common clinical situation in male patients with liver cirrhosis. Objectives The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of orthotopic liver transplantation on testosterone, free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin in male with advanced liver disease and also to determine the relationship of these changes with Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Methods In a prospective study, serum levels of testosterone, free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin of 30 male adult patients with end-stage liver disease were measured 2 to 4 hours before and 6 months after orthotopic liver transplantation. Results Total testosterone levels increased after orthotopic liver transplantation and the number of patients with normal testosterone levels increased from 18 to 24. Free testosterone mean level in the pre-transplant group was 7.8 pg/mL and increased to 11.5 pg/mL (P = 0.10) and sex hormone-binding globulin level decreased after orthotopic liver transplantation returning to normal levels in MELD ≤18 - group (A) (P<0.05). Conclusions Serum level changes of testosterone, free testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin are more pronounced in cirrhotic males with MELD ≤18. Serum levels of testosterone and free testosterone increase and serum levels of sex hormone-binding globulin decrease after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Ursodeoxycholic acid alleviates cholestasis-induced histophysiological alterations in the male reproductive system of bile duct-ligated rats

“…Hypogonadism is defined as inadequate gonadal function, manifested by deficiency in gametogenesis and/or secretion of gonadal hormones [33]. Hypogonadism is a common clinical situation in male patients with advanced liver cirrhosis [29,[34][35][36][37]. Testicular atrophy and testosterone insufficiency were noted in experimental models of liver cirrhosis as well [38][39][40][41].…”

The biomarker sex hormone-binding globulin – From established applications to emerging trends in clinical medicine

“…For example, treatment of hepatitis C with interferon-a results in a significant and sustained decrease of SHBG levels [62]. As well, orthotopic liver transplantation in patients suffering from liver cirrhosis decreases SHBG and may even restore normal levels [67]. Concomitantly, symptoms of hypogonadism resolve.…”

Testicular immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural changes associated with chronic cholestasis in rats: Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid

“…Chronic liver diseases are usually associated with high prevalence of hypogonadism and testicular atrophy in patients [2][3][4], and experimental animals [5,6]. Since the pathogenesis of testicular atrophy associated with chronic cholestasis is still not clear, the current study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical changes and ultrastrusctural events of this complication.…”