Impact of cadmium exposure on male sex hormones: a population-based study in China

The objective of this study was to investigate the possible effects of environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure on the levels of serum sex hormones in a Chinese population group. A total of 263 male volunteers were included. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum testosterone (T), measured by radioimmunoassay, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), both measured by enzyme immunoassays. Urinary and blood Cd were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). We found a dose-response relationship between urinary Cd excretion and the prevalence of abnormally high serum T levels, but, through multiple regression analysis, we could not trace exposure to Cd as a significant determinant of serum T levels. Exposure to Cd also failed to influence the levels of FSH and LH in serum. In contrast, we found that age, body mass index (BMI), and smoking habits are significant determinants of FSH and LH and of T and LH, respectively. We conclude that oral Cd exposure is not a critical determinant of hormone homeostasis in males, but lifestyle and some biological factors, such as age and BMI, are important. The relationship found between urinary Cd and high T levels may be of importance for male reproductive morbidity and should be investigated further.     

Persistent disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in abstinent alcoholic men

AIMS: Testosterone synthesis in chronic alcoholics is affected by a variety of mechanisms. Little is known about the reversibility of these changes upon abstinence and available data on circulating hormone levels are incomplete and inconsistent. METHODS: Serum concentrations of free testosterone, total testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined in 18 male non-cirrhotic chronic alcoholics on days 2, 22, 82 and 127 of strictly controlled abstinence, as well as in a group of 20 healthy age-matched controls. RESULTS: Higher total testosterone concentrations were found in alcoholics on the second day of abstinence, as compared to controls (7.1 +/- 1.9 vs 5.6 +/- 1.4 ng/ml) and throughout the whole observation period. Correspondingly, free testosterone concentrations were increased over control levels on day 2 (40.0 +/- 12.1 vs 29.7 +/- 8.1 pg/ml) and stayed elevated in the presence of augmented concentrations of LH [4.5 U/l (range 1.6-9.5 U/l) vs 2.0 U/l (range 0.8-8.1 U/l)] for up to 127 days of strictly controlled abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: Sustained increases in serum free and total testosterone levels in the presence of inadequately raised LH concentrations point towards persisting disturbances of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male alcoholics upon cessation of drinking.     

Serum levels of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) in relation to markers of reproductive function in young males from the general Swedish population

A time-related deterioration in male reproductive function caused by exposure to endocrine disrupters, including persistent organochlorines (POCs), has been hypothesized. In animal studies, POCs were found to have adverse effects on male reproductive function. However, little is known about the impact of POC exposure on reproductive parameters in men. In a study of 305 young Swedish men 18-21 years old from the general population, we correlated lipid-adjusted serum levels of 2,2',4,4',5,5' -hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153)--an index substance for POC exposure--to markers of male reproductive function: testis size assessed by ultrasound, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility assessed manually and with a computer-aided sperm analyzer (CASA), and serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin B, testosterone, sexual hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone, and estradiol. We found weak but statistically significant, negative correlations between CB-153 levels and both the testosterone:SHBG ratio (r = -0.25, p < 0.001)--a measure of the biologically active free testosterone fraction--and CASA sperm motility (r = -0.13, p = 0.02). No statistically significant association with other seminal, hormonal, or clinical markers of male reproductive function was found. In previous studies of more highly POC-exposed groups of adult men, the correlation between POC exposure, including CB-153, and free testosterone levels was not statistically significant. The present study gives some tentative support for weak negative effects of CB-153 exposure on sperm motility and free testosterone levels in young men, but further semen studies on more highly exposed groups may give more firm conclusions on the hazard for male reproductive function from dietary POC exposure.     

石化企业乙烯厂环境空气中低浓度苯乙烯和三苯对男性生殖健康的影响

目的研究某石油化工企业乙烯厂区环境空气中苯乙烯和三苯有机物污染情况以及其长期低浓度对男性工作人员生殖健康的影响。方法监测某石油化工企业乙烯厂区环境空气中存在苯乙烯和三苯有机污染物的含量,利用碳管采样,气相色谱分析;对暴露组符合条件的120名23~49岁已婚男性工作人员抽血检查性激素三项:血浆的睾酮(TO)和血清促卵泡成熟激素(FSH)和促间质细胞分泌激素(LH)。对照组是符合配对条件的80名已婚男性;同时通过调查问卷(10项指标)对乙烯厂600名符合条件的已婚男性工作人员的生殖健康状况进行调查,对照组为非接触挥发性有机溶剂的港务企业600名已婚男性。结果石化乙烯厂区环境空气中检出低浓度的苯乙烯和三苯有机物污染物,监测结果均远低于国家规定限(PC-TWA);暴露组男性工作人员血性激素三项结果均显著低于对照组(P0.05);男性生殖健康调查问卷10项指标中,暴露组发病率均明显高于对照组(P0.05)。苯乙烯和三苯分别与性激素三项进行多元线性回归分析,相关系数在0.83~0.89之间,并且P值都小于0.05,苯乙烯和三苯分别与TO、FSH和LH呈线性相关。结论长期接触环境空气中低浓度苯乙烯和三苯对男性生殖健康有不良影响。     

丙烯腈对雄性大鼠生殖内分泌系统影响的研究

目的探讨丙烯腈（ＡＮ）对雄性生殖内分泌系统的影响,为保护男工健康提供科学依据。方法应用ＲＩＡ测定大鼠血清和睾丸匀浆中Ｔ、ＬＨ、ＦＳＨ和Ｅ２水平,并对睾丸、附睾做光、电镜组织病理学检查。结果皮下注射染毒ＡＮ３８天各组大鼠各检测指标均未发现有意义的改变;染毒７７天２５ｍｇ·ｋｇ－１组血清中Ｔ下降,ＬＨ升高,睾丸中Ｔ含量下降,ＬＨ、ＦＳＨ、Ｅ２均升高;光、电镜可见间质细胞及生精上皮受到不同程度的损害。结论丙烯腈可对雄性生殖内分泌系统产生损害作用,影响血清及睾丸匀浆中性激素水平,可能危害工人及子代健康,应引起高度重视。     

Normative reproductive indices for male and female adult Sprague-Dawley rats.

The Sprague-Dawley rat is traditionally used as the experimental model for the study of contraceptive agents and reproductive toxicants. Until recently, the normative values used to compare hormone levels after drug exposure were based on the values generated by radioimmunoassay methods developed 30 years ago. To ascertain normative reproductive indices for adult female and male Sprague-Dawley rats over a 6-month age period, we measured luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol using commercially available kits that employ updated assay techniques. In addition, sperm indices were correlated with reproductive hormones over the same time period. Animals were killed at 107, 128, 156, 212, and 268 days of age irrespective (for females) of cycle stage. Serum LH levels did not change with increasing age; however, the female rats had significantly higher LH values than did the males at comparable ages (p < 0.001). Testosterone levels and sperm parameters did not significantly change with increasing age. Estradiol levels were significantly higher in 107-day-old female rats than they were in female rats in all older age groups (p < 0.01). The values reported can be used in designing and interpreting data generated in ongoing, long term toxicological and contraceptive studies using the rat animal model.     

二苯甲撑二异氰酸酯对男工性激素水平的影响

目的 探讨二苯甲撑二异氰酸酯（MDI）对作业男工体内性激素水平的影响。方法 对某化工厂84名接触MDI的男工和96名对照男工血清睾酮（T）、卵泡刺激素（FSH）和黄体生成素（LH）水平进行检测和比较。结果 MDI作业男工血清T水平显著低于对照组（P＜0．01）;FSH及LH水平显著高于对照组（P＜0．01）;高浓度接触组男工血清T显著低于中浓度组和低浓度组（P＜0．01）;而LH及FSH却显著高于中浓度组和低浓度组（P＜0．01）;MDI作业男工性功能与对照组比显著减退（P＜0．01）;吸烟饮酒可导致血清T水平显著低于未吸烟饮酒组（P＜0．01）,而LH及FS未吸烟饮酒组无明显差异（P＞0．05）,且MDI与吸烟饮酒三者存在协同作用的关系。结论 MDI具有一定的生殖毒性。     

Inhibition of testosterone synthesis by ethanol: role of luteinizing hormone

The effects of acute ethanol intake (1.5 g/kg) on plasma testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were examined in male Long-Evans rats. Ethanol decreased the serum LH concentrations by 21% and 42% 30 and 60 minutes after ethanol administration respectively. The testosterone concentrations decreased later (30 min: +8%; 60 min: -30%). The LH concentrations were highly correlated with subsequent (60 min later) testosterone concentrations (LH30min: r = .688, p less than 0.001, n = 25; LH60min: r = .678, p less than 0.001), but less so with concurrent testosterone concentrations (30 min: r = .187, N.S.; 60 min: r = .552, p less than 0.004). To further test the influence of LH, naloxone (11 mg/kg) was administered, which elevated the LH levels within 30 min by 103% in controls. Naloxone also increased serum LH concentration by 34% in ethanol-treated rats at 30 min, but these animals nevertheless had lower (p less than 0.01) testosterone levels at 60 min than did control animals without naloxone and ethanol treatment. It is concluded that although ethanol-induced changes in serum LH levels may play a role in the decrease of serum testosterone concentrations in rats, there are also other mechanisms by which ethanol may produce these effects.     

六价铬男性生殖毒性的初步探讨

目的 探讨六价铬的男性生殖毒性,方法 采用职业流行病学调查与相关实验室检查相结合的方法观察铬作业男工精液,精子形态,测定精浆锌,血铬,精浆铬,黄体生成激素（ＬＨ）和促卵泡成熟激素（ＦＳＨ）的改变。结果 铬作业（ＣｒＯ３Ｘ＝０．０１９５ｍｇ／ｍ＾３）男工组精子数（５２．２１±４５．５１）×１０＾９／Ｌ,显低于对照组（８８．９６±７４．８２）×１０＾９／Ｌ,精浆锌（４８１１．８５±１４０１．８８）μ     

Reproductive hormone levels in men exposed to persistent organohalogen pollutants: a study of inuit and three European cohorts

OBJECTIVE: Persistent organohalogen pollutant (POP) exposure may have a negative impact on reproductive function. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of POP exposure on the male hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 184 Swedish fishermen and spouses of pregnant women from Greenland (n = 258), Warsaw, Poland (n = 113) , and Kharkiv, Ukraine (n = 194). EVALUATIONS/MEASUREMENTS: Serum levels of 2,2,4,4,5,5-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153) and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (p,p -DDE) were determined in the four populations, showing different exposure patterns: Swedish fishermen, high CB-153/low p,p -DDE; Greenland, high CB-153/high p,p -DDE; Warsaw, low CB-153/moderate p,p -DDE; Kharkiv, low CB-153/high p,p -DDE. Serum was also analyzed for testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) , inhibin B, luteinizing hormone (LH) , and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) . Free testosterone levels were calculated based on testosterone and SHBG. RESULTS: We found significant center-to-center variations in the associations between exposure and the outcomes. The most pronounced effects were observed in Kharkiv, where statistically significant positive associations were found between the levels of both CB-153 and p,p -DDE and SHBG, as well as LH. In Greenland, there was a positive association between CB-153 exposure and LH. In the pooled data set from all four centers, there was positive association between p,p -DDE and FSH levels [beta = 1.1 IU/L; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-1.1 IU/L]. The association between CB-153 levels and SHBG was of borderline statistical significance (beta = 0.90 nmol/L; 95% CI, -0.04 to 1.9 nmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Gonadotropin levels and SHBG seem to be affected by POP exposure, but the pattern of endocrine response is the subject of considerable geographic variation.     

硫酸镍对雄性大鼠生殖系统损伤的研究

目的　探讨硫酸镍对雄性大鼠生殖系统损伤的机制 ,为镍毒性的防治提供依据。方法　硫酸镍 1.2 5、2 .5 0、5 .0 0mg kg腹腔注射染毒 ,每日 1次 ,连续 2周。采用原子吸收光谱法测定睾丸组织Ni含量 ;放射免疫法检测血清中睾酮 (T)、卵泡刺激素 (FSH)和黄体生成素 (LH)的含量 ;酶法检测睾丸组织一氧化氮 (NO)含量和一氧化氮合酶 (NOS)活力。结果　硫酸镍可导致睾丸组织Ni含量 [(0 .2 2± 0 .0 3)、(0 .34± 0 .0 4 )、(0 .4 1± 0 .0 2 ) μg g]增高 ;T、FSH和LH的含量降低 ;抑制睾丸组织NOS活力 [(33.6 5± 2 .93)、(2 6 .5 3± 9.5 2 )、(10 .2 0± 2 .74 )U g]的同时引起NO含量 [(0 .2 6± 0 .0 3)、(0 .18± 0 .0 5 )、(0 .15± 0 .0 2 )mmol g]下降 ,与对照组比较 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　硫酸镍对雄性大鼠生殖系统的损伤可能与其导致T、FSH和LH的含量降低以及抑制睾丸组织NOS活力而使NO含量减少有关。     

Altered luteinizing hormone and testosterone secretion in middle-aged obese men with obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the causes for the decline in testosterone levels observed in men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We determined serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels every 20 minutes between 7 pm and 7 am with simultaneous sleep recordings in five obese middle-aged men with OSA, in five age- and BMI-matched controls, and in six lean young healthy men. RESULTS: The mean and area under the curve (AUC) values of LH and testosterone were significantly lower in men with OSA compared with controls. Young controls had significantly more testosterone pulses of shorter interpulse duration than OSA subjects and middle-aged controls. After adjusting for age and BMI, the three groups differed in mean and AUC values of LH and testosterone. Analysis of covariance, using BMI as a covariate, revealed a statistically significant group effect on mean and AUC testosterone values (p = 0.03; p < 0.003, respectively). Eliminating young controls, there was a significant positive correlation between the amount of LH and testosterone secreted at night. After partialling out age alone and BMI alone, the mean LH and mean testosterone were still positively correlated. DISCUSSION: Thus, OSA is associated with decreased pituitary-gonadal function. The decline in testosterone concentrations is due to obesity and advanced age and to a lesser degree to sleep fragmentation and hypoxia.     

Reproductive endocrine effects of acute exposure to toluene in men and women

OBJECTIVES: Despite observation of adverse reproductive effects of toluene, including alterations of serum gonadotropins (luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)) in humans, little is known of the mechanism of toxicity. The hypothesis was tested that toluene acutely suppresses pulsatile gonadotropin secretion by measuring LH and FSH at frequent intervals during controlled exposure to toluene. METHODS: Women in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle and men were randomised to inhale filtered air with or without 50 ppm toluene through a mouthpiece for 3 hours (19% of the OSHA permissible exposure limit). Blood was sampled by intravenous catheter at 20 minute intervals for 3 hours before, 3 hours during, and 3 hours after exposure. Plasma LH, FSH, and testosterone were measured. Pulse amplitude, pulse frequency, and mean concentrations of LH and FSH for each of the 3 hour periods before, during and after exposure to toluene versus sham exposure were calculated with the ULTRA pulse detection program and compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. RESULTS: In men mean concentrations of LH showed a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between exposure and sampling period, with a greater LH decline during exposure to toluene than sham exposure. However, there was no concomitant effect on testosterone concentrations. The LH pulse frequency of women in the luteal phase showed a trend towards a significant interaction between exposure and sampling period (p = 0.06), with a greater decline in pulse frequency during exposure to toluene than sham exposure. There were no other significant effects of exposure to toluene. CONCLUSIONS: Three hour exposure to 50 ppm toluene did not result in abnormal episodic LH or FSH secretion profiles, however, subtle effects on LH secretion in men and women in the luteal phase were found. The clinical relevance of these effects is unclear, indicating the need for further study of reproductive function in exposed workers.

 

     

镉接触工人体内血清性激素水平的变化

目的 探讨镉接触工人体内血清性激素水平的变化及其机制。方法 选取南方某冶炼厂镉接触工人及当地健康男性为调查对象,经空气采样测定各车间空气中镉的浓度,用原子吸收分光光度法测定尿镉,并经肌酐校正作为调查对象体内镉负荷的生物标记物;同时测定工人体内性激素水平,并进行镉接触的剂量－效应评定。结果 在控制年龄等混杂因素后,血清睾酮水平随镉接触水平的增高而呈升高趋势,其中尿镉为10．9－21．9μmol/mol肌酐及＞21．9μmol/mol肌酐组的睾酮水平分别为：13．00nmol／L和11．37nmol／L,与0．0－2．2μmol/mol肌酐组的9．31nmol／L比较,差异有显著性;电解车间及尿镉＞21．9μmol/mol肌酐组人的血清黄体生成素水平分别为4．11U／T和4．32U／L,显著同于对照组的2．52U／L和尿镉0．0－2．2μmol/mol肌酐组的2．64U／L。结论 镉接触能引起工人血清性激素水平的变化。     

男性铅作业工人生殖内分泌变化的研究

目的探讨铅对男性工人性激素水平的改变及其影响因素。方法选153名职业性接触铅男工为暴露组,同时选择年龄和经济条件相近,距离冶炼车间1.5km煤场中47名不接触铅男工为非铅暴露组,用石墨炉原子吸收光谱法测定血铅,ELISA方法测定血清中睾酮(T)、黄体生成素(FSH)、卵泡刺激素(LH)、雌二醇(E2)和抑制素B水平。结果暴露组男工血铅水平为370.2μg/L,高于非暴露组221.2μg/L(P0.01);暴露组男工血清中T的平均水平为8.20μg/L,低于非暴露组9.65μg/L(P0.05);抑制素B平均水平为240.5pg/ml高于非暴露组211.1pg/ml(P0.05);黄体生成素(FSH)、卵泡刺激素(LH)、雌二醇(E2)水平两组间差异无显著性(P0.05)。通过Logistic回归分析,发现影响血清T水平异常变化的因素主要是年龄和铅暴露,而抑制素B水平的改变主要与铅暴露有关。结论职业性铅暴露能诱导男工血清中T和抑制素B水平的改变,提示接触铅可损伤内分泌和睾丸支持细胞功能。     

Serum organochlorine levels and history of lactation in Egypt

We conducted a study in Egypt to assess the determinants of organochlorine serum levels among premenopausal women and the risk of premenopausal breast cancer for women with high organochlorine serum levels. We included 69 breast cancer patients and 53 controls consisting of visitors to the hospitals of the cancer patients. We found low levels of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and beta-hexacholorhexane (beta-HCH) in most subjects. Mean DDE levels were 12.7 +/- 20.3 ppb for cases and 16.6 +/- 30.1 ppb for controls (P = 0.60); beta-HCH levels were 2.1 +/- 3.8 ppb for patients and 2.1 +/- 3.9 ppb for controls (P = 0.71). Interestingly, subjects with low levels had breast fed their children for an average period of 18 months. Women with no lactation history had much higher organochlorine levels than women who breast fed (P = 0.002 for DDE). Younger age, older age at first childbirth, and shorter duration of breast feeding were significant predictors of higher levels of serum DDE levels. Younger age, older age at first childbirth, and higher body mass index were significant predictors of higher beta-HCH levels. This study suggests that organochlorine serum levels in Egyptian women are quite low, but indicates an effect of breast feeding in eliminating organochlorines, which would imply exposure to children. Organochlorine serum level was not a risk factor of breast cancer in this population.     

Onset of spermatogenesis is accelerated by gestational administration of 1,2,3,4,6,7-hexachlorinated naphthalene in male rat offspring

We treated pregnant rats with 1 microg/kg body weight/day 1,2,3,4,6,7-hexachlorinated naphthalene (1,2,3,4,6,7-HxCN) on days 14-16 of gestation and examined the effects on the reproductive systems of their male offspring at various phases of sexual maturation. Sperm count in the cauda epididymidis did not change in 1,2,3,4,6, 7-HxCN-treated rats on postnatal day 89, the age of sexual maturity, but the sperm count in the cauda epididymidis did increase to approximately 180% of the control value on postnatal day 62. In addition, homogenization-resistant testicular spermatids increased to approximately 160% of the control value on postnatal day 48, and the percent of postmeiotic tubules increased to approximately 190% of the control value on postnatal day 31 in this group. These results indicate that the onset of spermatogenesis was accelerated in the 1,2,3,4,6,7-HxCN rats. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) had already reached the maximum level on postnatal day 31 in the 1,2,3,4,6, 7-HxCN group, suggesting that the onset of LH and FSH secretions from the pituitary gland was also accelerated and that this endocrine disruption was the cause of early onset of spermatogenesis in this group. In the fat of 1,2,3,4,6,7-HxCN-treated dams, 5.75+/-2.81 ppb 1,2,3,4,6,7-HxCN was detected when offspring were weaned. This concentration was 5-10 times higher than that found in human adipose tissue.     

Aggressive behavior and serum testosterone concentration during the maturation process of male mice: the effects of fetal exposure to bisphenol A

The relationship between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDs) and risk to reproductive organs is well documented, but the influence of EDs on behavioral development has not been studied. In this study we evaluated the effect of fetal exposure to bisphenol A, which mimics estrogenic activity, on aggressive behavior and hormonal change in male mice. On gestation days 11-17, female mice were fed bisphenol A at 2 ng/g or 20 ng/g of body weight (environmentally relevant concentration). Aggression rating and blood sampling of the offspring were done at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Aggression scores increased significantly (p < 0.01) at 8 weeks of age in male mice exposed to bisphenol A at both the 2 ng/g and 20 ng/g concentrations compared with a control group, but no difference was found after 12 weeks. Relative testis weight (per gram of body weight) was significantly lower at 8 and 12 weeks in mice treated with 2 ng/g than in controls (p < 0.05) and was significantly lower at 12 weeks in mice treated with 20 ng/g than in controls (p < 0.01). The serum testosterone concentration in treated mice was not significantly different from that in controls. These results demonstrate that bisphenol A temporarily activated aggressive behavior in mice at 8 weeks of age and that low doses of bisphenol A interfered with the normal development of reproductive organs. The mechanism activating this aggressive behavior was not elevated testosterone concentration.     

Effects of occupational solvent exposure on reproductive hormone concentrations and fecundability in men

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effects of organic solvents on male reproductive health. To assess fertility and reproductive endocrine function in solvent-exposed men, we investigated time-to-pregnancy using a retrospective cohort design and cross-sectionally measured reproductive hormone concentrations in painters and millwrights compared to a reference group of carpenters. METHODS: Detailed occupational, exposure, medical, and time-to-pregnancy histories were obtained by telephone interview. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone concentrations were determined by immunoassay. Exposure indices, which summarized working life exposure to total solvents, chlorinated solvents, aromatic solvents, and thinners, degreasers, varnishes, and adhesives as a category were calculated from exposure histories. RESULTS: FSH concentrations increased significantly with increasing exposure indices for all solvents and for chlorinated solvents. There were no significant associations of solvent exposure indices with LH or testosterone levels. LH, FSH, and testosterone concentrations also did not differ by job title. Using Cox regression, time-to-pregnancy was non-significantly longer in the painters and millwrights than the carpenters. There was no significant association between time-to-pregnancy and any of the solvent exposure indices; however, it should be noted that some of the pregnancies occurred more than 20 years previously, potentially reducing the reliability of the retrospectively collected pregnancy and exposure data. CONCLUSIONS: The significant associations between FSH levels and solvent exposure indices suggest the potential for adverse effects of solvent exposures on reproductive function in men.     

男性肝硬化患者血清性激素与垂体激素水平变化及意义

目的探讨男性肝硬化患者性激素与垂体激素的变化及其临床意义。方法对92例男性肝硬化患者进行血清睾丸酮（T）、雌二醇（E2）、泌乳素（PRL）、黄体生成素（LH）、卵泡刺激素（FSH）检测，并与正常对照组比较。结果肝硬化组T、E2浓度明显低于正常对照组，FSH、LH、PRL浓度明显高于正常对照组，与正常对照组比较有显著性差异（P〈0．01），各级肝硬化组之间及与正常对照组的比较均有显著性差异。结论T、E2降低和FSH、LH、PRL升高可作为估计男性肝硬化患者肝功能损害程度和估计预后的重要指标。