title: Zinc, prolactin, gonadotropins, and androgen levels in uremic men.
abstract: This study correlates plasma levels of Zinc (Zn) and some pituitary and testicular hormones in 20 uremic men (aged 17-58 years) on a weekly peritoneal dialysis program. Patients were compared to 12 healthy male volunteers (aged 28-40 years). In uremic men, plasma androstenedione (A) was elevated, while testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and Zn were low. On a group basis, plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were normal while prolactin was increased. A negative correlation was observed between plasma A and LH levels, as well as between the A/T+DHT ratio and plasma Zn concentrations. Our results suggest a diminished A-to-T conversion and point to the possible role of Zn in the enzyme activity of the 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000097:blood; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000097:blood; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014511:Uremia / Q000097:blood*; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D006062:Gonadotropins; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D015032:Zinc