Serum Androgens in Men with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: It has been hypothesised, that low serum concentrations of
androgen-anabolic hormones would play part in the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed
to determine the role of low serum testosterone and DHEAs in men with rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods: a case control study was conducted on 73 male patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 73 healthy
male age matched control at the Department of Rheumatology and medical rehabilitation, Rheumtologic
outpatient, and the biologic centre, Basra teaching hospital, Basra Provence at the south of Iraq from February
2019 till March 2020.Full investigations including total serum testosterone(TST) and dehydroepiandosteron
sulfate( DHEAs) levels and disease activity were measured for patients, TST and DHEAs were measured
for controls. Results: The median total serum testosterone level of the patients and the control groups was;
2.2ng/ml and 7.8ng/ml respectively. The median DHEAs level of the patients and the control groups; 81mg/
dl and 343mg/dl respectively. Men with low serum androgen levels and in particular low serum level of
DHEAs and to less extent TST associated with negative rheumatoid factor and anti CCP. patients with high
disease activity associated with lower androgen levels.
Conclusion: Men with rheumatoid arthritis have low levels of serum androgens, may related to the lack
of the anti-inflammatory effects of androgens, lower androgen levels associated with negative serological
markers and high disease activity. Androgen replacement may have associated with clinical improvement
and low disease activity