Sex Hormones And Biochemical Profiles Of Male Gossypol Users In South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of gossypol administration on sex hormones and biochemical parameters of male subjects. Twelve male subjects receiving 20mg daily gossypol at the family planning clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan were studied. Blood samples collected from the subjects before, at 16 weeks and 28 weeks of treatment with gossypol were used to determine the blood levels of sex hormones and biochemical parameters. There were significant reduction in spermatozoa count (P<0.01), motility (P<0.01) and testosterone concentration (P<0.01) but elevated concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) (P<0.05) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (P<0.01) following treatment with gossypol. However, the seminal fluid volume was unchanged (P>0.05). Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, transaminases, and alkaline phosphatases during the period of treatment showed a significant downward trend (P<0.05 in each case). Whereas there was no consistent pattern, in the serum concentrations of bilirubin, total protein and albumin. The findings of the present study suggest that gossypol is a potent male antifertility agent with capability of causing organ impairment.

Key words: Gossypol, Male, Anti-fertility, Biochemical, Hormones, Contraception.

Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.18(1-2) 2003: 52-58