Effects of short-term high-dose testosterone propionate administration on medium molecular-weight proteins of human seminal plasma

Effects of short-term high-dose testosterone propionate treatment on medium molecular-weight proteins (lactoferrin, albumin, prostatic acid phosphatase, prostate specific antigen) and on zinc and fructose levels were investigated in the seminal plasma of seven normal volunteers. A significant reduction in levels of prostatic-acid phosphatase, zinc and, to a lesser degree, prostate-specific antigen, lactoferrin and fructose was observed on the 14th day of androgen treatment, concomitantly with the maximal increase in free androgen-circulating levels. The data obtained suggest that testosterone administration may induce a reduction in the sex accessory-gland secretion. Indeed, this effect tends to disappear with withdrawal of hormone treatment. Therefore, the authors suggest a close follow-up of prostatic and vesicular function during the long-term high-dose testosterone intake, used frequently as anabolic treatment by athletes and body builders.