Evaluation of testosterone and mineral elements (Cu, Zn And Mg) levels in male sickle cell patients In Benin City, Edo State.

Abstract

Sickle cell diseases (SCD) are groups of blood disorders that are inherited from both parents. Sickle cell anaemia is the most well-known among them. SCD affects 2–3% of Nigeria’s population. The evaluation of testosterone and mineral elements (Cu, Zn, and Mg), which promotes secondary male characteristics and red blood cell integrity, places emphasis on sickle cell disease management. This study was aimed to determine testosterone and mineral elements (Cu, Zn, and Mg) in sickle cell patients in Benin City, Edo state and to correlate the findings between those in steady state and vaso-occlusive crisis. Serum testosterone, copper, zinc, and magnesium were determined in 100 male sickle cell patients attending sickle cell centre in Benin City, and in 50 male apparently healthy controls. A detailed and structured questionnaire was used to obtain information about their age, gender, occupation, frequency of hospital visit, and history of blood transfusion. The level of serum testosterone was measured using the microwell enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, while the levels of serum copper, zinc, and magnesium were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean value was obtained using paired Student’s T-test and Pearson’s correlation. The mean levels of testosterone (2.52±0.153 ng/ml), copper (72.6±3.06 µg/dl) and zinc (73.0±1.96 µg/dl) were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in sickle cell disease than controls. The mean level of magnesium (1.63±0.187 mg/dl) was significantly lower (p < 0.007) than controls. The mean copper to zinc ratio (0.999±0.0326 µg/dl) was also significantly lower (p < 0.001) than controls. The testosterone (p < 0.746), copper (p < 0.48), zinc (p < 0.743), magnesium (p < 0.566), and copper to zinc ratio (p < 0.517) were independent of the age groups of male sickle cell disease patients used for this study. Testosterone level in male sickle cell disease patients showed positive significant correlation with copper (r=0.71; p < 0.001), zinc (r=0.50; p < 0.001), copper to zinc ratio (r=0.45; p < 0.001) and on magnesium (r=0.19; p < 0.05). The study showed that serum testosterone and mineral elements (Cu, Zn, and Mg) levels in male sickle cell patients were significantly low and could be responsible for infertility and severe anaemia in male SCD patients.