Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal function in men and women using heroin and cocaine, stratified by HIV status.
BACKGROUND
Most studies of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) function in illicit drug users either focus on men or do not consider the impact of HIV.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the relationships between cocaine and/or opiate use, HIV status, and HPG function in both men and women.


METHODS
Men and women between 18 and 50 years of age were stratified by sex, drug use, and HIV status. Information on demographics, HIV disease and treatment, and illicit drug use patterns was collected. To determine potential effects on HPG function, free testosterone (free T), estradiol, and gonadotropin concentrations were measured.


RESULTS
In a total of 197 men and women, free T concentrations were lower in men who used cocaine and/or opiates and in women infected with HIV Gonadotropin concentrations were elevated in seropositive men only. In women who received highly active antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection and illicit drug use had an additive or synergistic impact on free T concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data reveal the importance of considering the independent effects of illicit drug use and HIV status for both men and women, so that risks may be identified and potential treatments designed for HPG dysfunction in these groups.
Wisniewski
Amy B
AB
Department of Biology, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505, USA. amy.wisniewski@drake.edu
Brown
Todd T
TT
John
Majnu
M
Frankowicz
Jacek K
JK
Cofranceso
Joseph
J
Golub
Elizabeth T
ET
Ricketts
Erin P
EP
Dobs
Adrian S
AS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000821:virology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000097:blood* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone