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Abstract
This study correlates plasma levels of Zinc (Zn) and some pituitary and testicular hormones in 20 uremic men (aged 17–58 years) on a weekly peritoneal dialysis program. Patients were compared to 12 healthy male volunteers (aged 28–40 years). In uremic men, plasma andros-tenedione (A) was elevated, while testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and Zn were low. On a group basis, plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were normal while prolactin was increased. A negative correlation was observed between plasma A and LH levels, as well as between the A/T + DHT ratio and plasma Zn concentrations. Our results suggest a diminished A-to-T conversion and point to the possible role of Zn in the enzyme activity of the 17 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.