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[Endocrine function and African trypanosomiasis. Evaluation of 79 cases]
M Hublart1, L Lagouche, A Racadot
1Unité INSERM n. 16, Lille.
Bulletin De La Societe De Pathologie Exotique Et De Ses Filiales
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Hypogonadism is common in sleeping sickness patients, with decreased sex hormones but normal pituitary gonadotropins (FSH and LH), suggesting a central origin. Thyroid function also showed decreased T3 and FT3 levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
Context:
- Sleeping sickness, caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, frequently presents with hypogonadism.
- The physiological impact of trypanosomal infection on the endocrine system, particularly the gonads, remains understudied.
- Previous observations indicate a high prevalence of hypogonadism in affected individuals.
Purpose:
- To investigate the gonadotropic axis in patients with sleeping sickness.
- To explore the potential central origin of hypogonadism in trypanosomal infection.
- To examine the thyreotropic axis in conjunction with hypogonadism.
Summary:
- Exploration of the gonadotropic axis in 79 patients infected by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense revealed decreased estradiol in 50% of women and testosterone in 50% of men.
- Pituitary gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]) levels remained normal, suggesting a central origin for the hypogonadism.
- Thyroid function tests indicated decreased triiodothyronine (T3) and free T3 (FT3) levels, while thyroxine (T4) levels were normal.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the endocrine dysfunctions associated with sleeping sickness.
- Highlights the potential central mechanisms underlying hypogonadism in trypanosomal infections.
- Suggests further research into the neuroendocrine consequences of parasitic infections.