Association between Reproductive Hormones and Inflammatory Cytokines in Iraqi COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of well-defined factors to control the disease, various indicators, such as reproductive hormones and inflammatory markers, have been explored. This study investigates the relationships among serum levels of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and key inflammatory cytokines.

Methods: This study included 100 patients aged 25 to 40 years with COVID-19 at the Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Medical City, in Baghdad, Iraq, from October 2022 to April 2023. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed the infection in nasal swab samples from all eligible individuals. They were compared with 100 healthy individuals who served as the control group.

Results: COVID-19 patients showed significantly elevated levels of interleukin-1, -6, -18, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and C-reactive protein compared with controls. They also exhibited higher serum LH and FSH levels, and markedly lower testosterone levels. Within the patient group, males had significantly lower LH and FSH levels but higher testosterone levels than females. In the control group, females showed higher LH and FSH levels and significantly lower testosterone levels. Immunoglobulin G and M levels were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients.

DOI- https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202603
How to cite this article
Ahmed H S, Association between Reproductive Hormones and Inflammatory Cytokines in Iraqi COVID-19 Patients. J Commun Dis. 2026;58(1):18 25.