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Increased plasma endothelin levels in patients with male hypogonadism
Ph Kumanov1, A Tomova, G Kirilov
1Clinical Centre of Endocrinology and Gerontology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria. phkumanov@lycos.com
Insights
Males with hypogonadism exhibit elevated plasma endothelin levels. This study investigated endothelin
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Endothelin exerts paracrine and endocrine effects on the male reproductive system.
- Testosterone may influence higher endothelin levels in males.
- The relationship between gonadotrophic hormones and endothelin remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between endothelin and the male hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis.
- To compare endothelin levels in hypogonadal males and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Studied 18 male patients with hypogonadism (hypergonadotrophic and hypogonadotrophic).
- Included 8 age-matched healthy males as controls.
- Measured basal endothelin levels and correlated them with gonadotrophins, prolactin, and testosterone.
Main Results:
- Basal endothelin levels were significantly higher in hypogonadal males compared to controls (P < 0.05).
- Males with hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism showed significantly increased endothelin concentrations (P < 0.05).
- No significant correlation was found between endothelin and hormone levels (gonadotrophins, prolactin, testosterone).
Conclusions:
- Plasma endothelin levels are elevated in males suffering from hypogonadism.
- Endothelin may play a role in the pathophysiology of male hypogonadism.
Abstract:
Endothelin has various paracrine and endocrine effects on the male reproductive system. Testosterone is probably responsible for the higher endothelin levels in males. In addition, there is much ambiguity about the relationship between gonadotrophic hormones and endothelin. In order to study in more detail the relationship of endothelin with the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in the male, we investigated 18 male patients with various forms of hypogonadism (seven with hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism and 11 with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism). Eight age-matched healthy males served as controls. The basal endothelin levels in patients with hypogonadism (0.95 +/- 0.53 fmol ml(-1)) were significantly higher than those of the controls (0.54 +/- 0.06 fmol ml(-1); P < 0.05). Males with hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism had significantly increased endothelin concentrations (1.05 +/- 0.57 fmol ml(-1); P < 0.05), whereas those with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (0.89 +/- 0.53 fmol ml(-1)) had nonsignificantly (P > 0.05) elevated levels. No significant correlation was found between plasma endothelin levels and gonadotrophin, prolactin and testosterone concentrations. The results of this study suggest that plasma endothelin levels are increased in males with hypogonadism.