Abstract
Background Drugs of abuse could interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, causing impaired functions of the gland and associated functions of target organs. Drugs of abuse tend to cause changes in the endocrine system, and these changes could be physiological, molecular, biochemical, genetic, and cellular. Method A case-control study design was conducted from a total of 171 male consented study participants (148 drug abusers and 23 controls). The serum gonadal and cortisol hormone levels were assayed using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. Socio-demographic variables were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire by the interview method. Nonparametric statistical tools (Mann–Whitney test and median) were used to compare the groups. In all cases, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The median age for drug abusers and control groups was 27, and the age difference between drug abusers and control group was not statistically important. The median estradiol levels among chronic khat chewers (39.4 pg/ml), marijuana (44 pg/mL), and users of heroin (40.2 pg/mL) were significantly higher than control groups (23 pg/mL), P < 0.003. However, the median luteinizing hormone levels among chronic khat chewers (5 IU/L), marijuana users (5 IU/L), and heroin users (5.6 IU/L) were significantly lower than those of control groups (6.2 IU/L), P < 0.02. The median testosterone levels among chronic khat chewers (6.1 ng/mL), marijuana users (6.3 ng/mL), and heroin users (6.6 ng/mL) were significantly lower than control groups (8.0 ng/mL), P < 0.003. However, cortisol and follicle stimulating hormone did not show statistically significant difference between users of khat, marijuana, and heroin compared with the control group. Conclusion The drug abuser group had significantly lower testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels compared with control groups. Drug abuse has been shown to affect gonadal hormones in an unusual physiological phenomenon. These findings reveal the need for intervention programs to solve these problems.
Highlights
Drugs of abuse could interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, causing impaired functions of the gland and associated functions of target organs
Ere are limited studies in Africa on the gonadal and cortisol hormone profiles of drug abusers. erefore, this study aims to assess the effects of abuse of khat, heroin, and marijuana on luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and cortisol hormone among adult male drug abuse
Discussion e present finding showed significant reduction in LH (P 0.021) and testosterone (P 0.01) levels compared with the control groups among marijuana abusers [14]. is may be due to the temporary impairment of cannabinoids in the pituitary function reflected in decreased LH and FSH levels and reduced testosterone levels. e finding was consistent with a study conducted in Sudan that reported a significant decrease in LH and testosterone among marijuana abuses [15]
Summary
Drugs of abuse tend to cause changes in the endocrine system, and these changes could be physiological, molecular, biochemical, genetic, and cellular [1]. Addiction often interferes with the hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine (HPG) axis, causing the secretion to change in the endocrine glands [2]. Hypogonadism in men results from failure of the testes to produce adequate levels of testosterone and a normal number of sperms due to a disruption of the HPG axis. Acute intake of alcohol and nicotine creates stress-like cortisol responses, and their continued use may dysregulate the HPA axis. Drug abuse is commonly referred to as the nontherapeutic use of a drug product or substance for a desired psychological or physiological effect [7]. More than 29 million people who use drugs suffer from drug abuse disorders. Erefore, this study aims to assess the effects of abuse of khat, heroin, and marijuana on luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and cortisol hormone among adult male drug abuse Ere are limited studies in Africa on the gonadal and cortisol hormone profiles of drug abusers. erefore, this study aims to assess the effects of abuse of khat, heroin, and marijuana on luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and cortisol hormone among adult male drug abuse
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