| Abstract: | Exposure of animals to drugs which induce hepatic enzymes results in an acceleration of hydroxylation of endogenous as well as exogenous steroid hormones (Conney, A.H., Pharma. 19 [1967] 317). Fahim et al. in a two part study, noticed when phenobarbital was administered to sexually mature male rats, it accelerated the metabolism of androgen as reflected by significant reductions in weight and RNA content of male accessory organs [3]; it was also observed that vitamin B 12 is an enzyme inducer [2]. Currently we observed a significant synergism between vitamin B 12 and phenobarbital in acceleration of drug metabolizing enzymes in rats. This demonstration of drug-steroid interaction reinforces the possibility of utilizing such phenomena as therapeutic modalities for human reproductive syndromes associated with overprodduction of sex hormones. This was applied in a young 16 year old mildly retarded male who was having much difficulty coping with sexual urges. His serum testosterone level was 960 ng%, which is abnormally high for his age. The patient was treated with 30 mg phenobarbital, morning and evening, and 50 mcg vitamin B 12 daily. After three months of treatment, his testosterone level decreased significantly to 620 ng%, and his hypersexualized behavior with girls had completely dropped out. There were no side effects in his physical appearance or general health. This therapy encourages its utilisation in humans with androgen overproduction instead of utilizing estrogen or other drugs which may have side effects. |
