Unchanged Androgen-Binding Properties of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin in Male Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

    January 2006 in “ Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine ”
    Peter B. Luppa, Markus Thaler, E. Schulte‐Frohlinde, Anita Schreiegg, Ulrich Huber, Jochen Metzger
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    TLDR SHBG binding properties are unchanged in male liver cirrhosis patients.
    The study investigated the androgen-binding properties of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in 33 male patients with liver cirrhosis compared to 32 healthy controls. Despite elevated SHBG levels in cirrhotic patients, the binding properties of SHBG remained unchanged. Total testosterone levels were similar between the groups, but estradiol (E2) levels were significantly higher and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels were significantly lower in cirrhotic patients. The unchanged SHBG binding properties, combined with elevated SHBG levels, resulted in lower free testosterone concentrations, shifting the hormonal balance towards higher E2 levels and contributing to hypogonadism symptoms in these patients.
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