Effect of treatment of chronic hepatitis c virus patients with direct-acting anti-retroviral drugs on semen and hormonal parameters

Abstract

Objective: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is known to influence the seminal and hormonal parameters of infected men. This study was performed to assess the effects of HCV clearance using direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents on semen and hormonal parameters. Methods: A total of 50 patients with chronic HCV were enrolled, and conventional semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization guidelines. Basal levels of total testosterone, free testosterone (FT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), prolactin, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed before and 3 months after treatment with DAAs.Results: Following DAA treatment, statistically significant increases were observed in sperm motility and the proportion of grade A sperm. Additionally, the percentage of abnormal forms was significantly decreased after treatment (p=0.000). However, no significant differences were observed in semen volume, concentration, or total sperm count. Sex hormone analysis of patients after DAA treatment revealed significant increases in FT, LH, and FSH levels, along with significant decreases in SHBG, prolactin, and E2 levels.Conclusion: Following HCV clearance, we noted an improvement in sperm motility and an increase in the percentage of sperm with normal morphology. Treatment with DAAs was also associated with increased levels of FT and LH, along with decreased levels of SHBG, prolactin, and E2.