SEX-HORMONES AND SEX HORMONE-BINDING GLOBULIN IN MALES WITH CHRONIC VIRAL-HEPATITIS DURING RECOMBINANT INTERFERON-ALPHA-2B THERAPY

The effect of long-term treatment with recombinant interferon-alpha2b (IFN-alpha2b) on luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, free testoste rone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was evaluated in 7 male patients suffering from chronic viral hepatitis. The drug was given th ree times a week for 6 months in a single standard dose of 3 x 10(6) u nits. Hormone evaluations were performed in basal conditions and every 2 months for 12 months. Serum testosterone values decreased after IFN treatment, reaching the lowest levels at the 6th month. However, test osterone values did not fall below the normal range. Serum SHBG concen trations, which were above the normal range in basal conditions, also decreased after IFN. Serum-free testosterone and LH concentrations did not change during IFN therapy. IFN-alpha2b at the dose and schedule e mployed was not responsible for any measurable imbalance in male sex h ormones.