Does cyclosporin A influence sex hormone level?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cyclosporin A is a widely used immunosuppressant.
• Hypertrichosis is a known side effect of high-dose Cyclosporin A treatment.
• The hormonal mechanisms underlying Cyclosporin A-induced hypertrichosis are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of ovarian, adrenal, and pituitary hormones in mediating Cyclosporin A-induced hypertrichosis.
• To compare hormone levels in patients with Cyclosporin A-induced hypertrichosis to a control group.

Main Methods:

• Serum levels of androgens (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androstenedione), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), prolactin (HPRL), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta-E), and cortisol (F) were measured using radioimmunoassay.
• Patients receiving Cyclosporin A with hypertrichosis were compared to age-matched controls receiving Azathioprine.
• Both groups received concurrent cortisone treatment.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in serum androgens were observed between the Cyclosporin A and control groups.
• Prolactin levels were normal in both groups.
• 17-OHP levels were in the low normal range, and cortisol levels were below normal in both groups due to cortisone treatment.
• SHBG levels were within the normal range.

Conclusions:

• Cyclosporin A-induced hypertrichosis does not appear to be mediated by significant alterations in the measured ovarian, adrenal, or pituitary hormones.
• The mechanism of Cyclosporin A-induced hypertrichosis may involve non-hormonal pathways.