EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF SEX HORMONES IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASES AND -HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumour affecting the liver. Its occurrence is always linked to cirrhosis, chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses. This study was conducted in the aim to evaluate the role of sex hormones (testosterone "T" and estradiol "E") changes in male patients with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC in an effort to explain the high incidence of HCC in males than females and to show whether these changes are a risk factor of HCC or not. This study was conducted at Liver Institute, Menoufiya University located in Shebin El-Kom. The study comprised 4 groups. These are chronic hepatitis C group (20 patients), cirrhotic group (20 patients), HCC group (30 patients) and healthy control group (20 persons). All are males and undergone the same investigations. The study revealed that there is a significant hormonal changes in both cirrhotic and HCC groups in the form of decreased testosterone and increased estradiol. • These findings may give i.h;• ideao:;hy HCC 1s more common among -:tn les. and that these changes. may be predictive of the occurrence of HCC..