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PubMed1999

Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young men.

This study examined the effects of acute dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) ingestion on serum steroid hormones and the effect of chronic DHEA intake on the adaptations to resistance training. In 10 young men (23 +/- 4 yr old), ingestion of 50 mg of DHEA increased serum androstenedione concentrations 150% within 60 min (P < 0.05) but did not affect serum testosterone and estrogen concentrations. An additional 19 men (23 +/- 1 yr old) participated in an 8-wk whole body resistance-training program and ingested DHEA (150 mg/day, n = 9) or placebo (n = 10) during weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Serum androstenedione concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the DHEA-treated group after 2 and 5 wk. Serum concentrations of free and total testosterone, estrone, estradiol, estriol, lipids, and liver transaminases were unaffected by supplementation and training, while strength and lean body mass increased significantly and similarly (P < 0.05) in the men treated with placebo and DHEA. These results suggest that DHEA ingestion does not enhance serum testosterone concentrations or adaptations associated with resistance training in young men.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2004

Cocaine addicts with conduct disorder are typified by decreased cortisol responsivity and high plasma levels of DHEA-S.

There is evidence that children with antisocial behaviors have increased plasma levels of the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and either a decreased level of another adrenal steroid, cortisol, or a decreased cortisol responsivity to stress. Low levels of cortisol have also been reported in antisocial adults but their levels of DHEA-S have not been studied. The present study was designed to perform in adult cocaine addicts simultaneous assessments of DHEA-S and cortisol as a function of a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (adult symptoms) and of a retrospective diagnosis of conduct disorder (CD). Basal cortisol and DHEA-S were determined in the plasma samples of 40 hospitalized men. The patients' cortisol responsivity was also assessed while they were being exposed to a stressful situation. Patients who had a retrospective CD diagnosis had significantly increased DHEA-S levels and secreted less cortisol when stressed. Comparisons between patients who did and did not meet the antisocial personality disorder adult criteria did not reveal any significant difference in DHEA-S or in cortisol responsivity. This could be attributed to the nature of the criteria used to define the adult disorder, which focus mostly on a failure to conform to social norms, whereas a number of CD criteria involve displays of some degree of violence. In conclusion, adults who retrospectively qualified for a CD diagnosis had increased DHEA-S levels and a decreased cortisol reactivity, confirming observations made in children and indicating that mechanisms underlying adrenal steroid alterations in childhood could still be at play in adulthood.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Effects of age, smoking and vitamins on plasma DHEAS levels: a cross-sectional study in men.

In recent years, relationships of dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate ester dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) with decreased risks of cardiovascular disease as well as a possible role in the aging process have been postulated. To explore the effects of cigarette smoking, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as well as age, on the levels of these adrenal androgens, we measured plasma levels of DHEAS in 543 healthy male subjects from the Physicians' Health Study. Blood specimens were collected between August 1982 and December 1984 and stored at -80 C. The overall mean DHEAS level was 3.47 mumol/L (+/- 2.12 SD). DHEAS levels were positively correlated with smoking habits (r = +0.16, P = 0.0002); current smokers had the highest age-adjusted DHEAS concentrations (4.27 mumol/L, P = 0.0005 compared with never smokers), followed by past smokers (3.47 mumol/L, P = 0.02) and never smokers (3.10 mumol/L). A marked linear decline of levels with age was observed, with an average decrease of 3% per year. These data suggest a moderate direct association with cigarette smoking and a powerful influence of age on decreasing levels of DHEAS. After adjusting for age and smoking habits, DHEAS concentrations were also inversely correlated with reported use of multivitamins (r = -0.16, P = 0.0002) and positively correlated with plasma retinol levels (r = 0.14, P = 0.002).

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Seasonal changes in plasma dehydro-epiandrosterone (DHEA) levels of domestic geese.

Changes in plasma DHEA, testosterone (T) and 17-B-oestradiol (E2) levels were examined in domestic geese of both sexes in the fall and winter. The levels of steroid hormones were determined in blood plasma by means of radio-immunoassay (RIA). A so-called second (autumn) cycle was induced in geese via a dark-room preparation and natural keeping conditions. The plasma levels of DHEA showed a minor peak at onset of the autumn breeding and a major one prior to the more intense spring reproduction in both sexes. The seasonal curves of plasma DHEA appeared fairly similar in ganders and layers and without considerable differences between the absolute values. In ganders, plasma DHEA peaks preceded the elevations in T levels in the fall and spring alike. With layers, in turn, the autumn and spring peaks of plasma DHEA appeared after the peaks in E2 levels. With ganders, the concentration of plasma T seemed to predominate between the two androgens throughout the experimental period. With layers, in turn, the concentration of DHEA surpassed the level of plasma E2 at the time of the peak periods and other times during the study, as well. In domestic geese, DHEA is probably involved in the autumn physiological processes and the induction of reproduction during fall and early spring periods, alike.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

DHEA deficiency syndrome: a new term for old age?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex, with a characteristic, age-related, pattern of secretion. The decline of DHEA concentrations with age has led to the suggestion that old age represents a DHEA deficiency syndrome and that the effects of ageing can be counteracted by DHEA 'replacement therapy'. DHEA is increasingly being used in the USA, outside medical supervision, for its supposed anti-ageing effects. This commentary weighs the evidence for the existence of a DHEA deficiency syndrome and considers the value of DHEA 'replacement therapy'.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)--youth hormone?].

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated metabolite (DHEA-S) are endogenous steroid hormones, synthesized by the adrenal cortex, gonads and CNS. The secretion profile changes with age and depends on the sex. Human DHEA and DHEA-S levels decline linearly and systematically with age and suggest the potential importance of that parameter as a biomarker of ageing. The counteraction of DHEA against atherosclerotic disease, cancer growth, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, obesity and the influence on immunological functions are observed in researches. DHEA influences the condition of mind, cognition functions, memory and well-being. DHEA hormonal replacement therapy is expected to lengthen human life by the stoppage of physiological degeneration changes and prevention of age-related clinical disorders.

Aging↗

PubMed2002

Association of DHEA-S and estradiol serum levels to symptoms of aging men.

OBJECTIVES: A number of interactions between age-related changes in serum levels of dehydroepiandrostendione sulfate (DHEA-S) and estradiol and symptoms of aging men have been proposed, yet data regarding this issue are scant. We therefore set up a prospective study to analyze these associations. METHODS: In a prospective, cross-sectional study, men aged 45-85 years were recruited. All men completed a questionnaire containing 38 items covering a number of aspects of the aging male. Questionnaires were compiled by using items from previously published and validated questionnaires. Several socioeconomic parameters were also determined. In parallel, serum levels of testosterone, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), DHEA-S, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were quantified by commercially available immunoassays. RESULTS: A total of 375 men with a mean age of 59.9 +/- 9.2 years (mean +/- standard deviation) were analyzed. Average DHEA-S and estradiol levels of 135.8 +/- 90.9 micrograms/dl and 29.7 +/- 14.6 pg/ml, respectively, were recorded. DHEA-S serum levels were negatively correlated to patient age, sexual function score, total score and PSA. Estradiol serum levels were positively correlated to testosterone and free testosterone. None of the other scores or questions revealed a correlation with DHEA-S or estradiol serum levels. CONCLUSION: This prospective study elucidates only small interactions between partial androgen deficiency of the aging male (PADAM)-related symptoms and serum levels of DHEA-S and estradiol. Nevertheless, the data suggest an impact of DHEA-S on sexual function.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) augmentation in the management of schizophrenia symptomatology.

Neurosteroids, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulfate (the most abundant steroid in the body), regulate neuronal functions by influencing neuronal excitability. Prominent effects are exerted on the gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) receptors. DHEA has demonstrated efficacy in improvement of mood in humans, especially in middle-aged and elderly individuals. In the author's study, administering DHEA to patients with schizophrenia who had moderate to severe negative symptoms and who were maintained on antipsychotic medications induced significant improvement, more so in women and corresponding to increased plasma levels of DHEA and DHEA-S. Possible mechanisms of action include enhanced dopamine release, enhanced responsiveness at the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, facilitation of sigma receptor activity, selective potentiation of dopaminergic neurotransmission, and a general anxiolytic action. Side effects are reviewed, and the currently experimental status of DHEA augmentation is emphasized.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of high fat diet and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration in the rhesus monkey.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) lowers serum cholesterol, particularly the low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction, in rhesus monkeys on a commercial diet (12% calories from fat, 0.0083% cholesterol). We fed rhesus monkeys a diet of 30% calories from fat and 0.1% cholesterol for 12 weeks, then commercial chow for 7 weeks. Six monkeys each received DHEA or placebo, orally for 17 weeks. Food intake increased the first 6 weeks, but decreased thereafter. Monkeys had a 22% mean weight gain while on high fat diet. DHEA monkeys had higher T4 levels than placebo monkeys at weeks 8 and 16. After 12 weeks on high fat diet, all monkeys had elevated serum cholesterol concentrations, an increase in amount and percentage of intermediate density lipoprotein and LDL cholesterol, and an increase in amount, but a decrease in percentage of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. There were no significant differences in serum cholesterol or plasma lipoprotein concentrations between DHEA and placebo monkeys while on high fat diet (a trend toward lower levels was noted in the DHEA group). On commercial chow, plasma lipoprotein concentrations decreased for all monkeys, and DHEA monkeys had significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol than placebo monkeys. We conclude that a high fat diet (30% fat) masks any cholesterol-lowering effects of DHEA.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1998

Control of the immune response by DHEA and its metabolites.

The 17 keto steroid, Dehydroepiandrosterone (5-androsten-3 beta-17-one, DHEA) has been shown to protect mice from a variety of lethal infections. This includes, but is not limited to, infection with viruses (herpesvirus type 2, coxsackievirus B4-CVB4),bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and a parasite (Cryptosporidium parvum). We have reported that androstenediol (5-androsten-3 beta-17 beta-diol, beta AED), which is derived from DHEA, is at least 100x more effective in up-regulating systemic resistance against CVB4-infection than its precursor. Furthermore, androstenetriol (5-androstene-3 beta-7 beta-17 beta-triol beta AET) which is formed by 7 beta hydroxylation of beta AED, was more effective against CVB4-infection than its precursor beta AED. Neither steroid however has shown any significant direct antiviral effects. The in-vitro influences of DHEA, beta AED, and beta AET on a mitogen-induced mixed splenocyte proliferation assay were determined. The results showed that DHEA suppressed the proliferation of concanavalin A (Con A) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated cultures in a dose dependent manner. beta AED had little influence on the activation response. However, beta AET potentiated the response to both mitogens significantly above control. The regulation of interleukin-2 and interleukin-3 secretion from Con A-activated lymphocytes was analogous to these observations. These functions were suppressed by DHEA, unaffected by beta AED, and potently increased by beta AET. Moreover, the classic immuno-suppressive effects of hydro-cortisone on Con A-induced lymphocyte proliferation, as well as IL-2 and IL-3 production were unaffected by co-cultured with DHEA and only minimally counteracted by beta AED. In contrast, beta AET significantly counteracted the effect of hydrocortisone when co-cultured together. These results show that while in-vivo, DHEA, beta AED, and beta AET each function in a similar manner. In-vitro, their effects are dramatically different from one another with only beta AET potentiating the cellular response by increasing lymphocyte activation and counteracting the immuno-suppressive activity of hydrocortisone.

Androstenediol↗

PubMed2003

DHEA treatment of Alzheimer's disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) vs placebo in AD. METHOD: Fifty-eight subjects with AD were randomized to 6 month's treatment with DHEA (50 mg per os twice a day; n = 28) or placebo (n = 30) in a multi-site, double-blind pilot trial. Primary efficacy measures assessed cognitive functioning (the AD Assessment Scale-Cognitive [ADAS-Cog]) and observer-based ratings of overall changes in severity (the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change with Caregiver Input [CIBIC-Plus]). At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, the ADAS-Cog was administered, and at 3 and 6 months, the CIBIC-Plus was administered. The 6-month time point was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: Nineteen DHEA-treated subjects and 14 placebo-treated subjects completed the trial. DHEA was relatively well-tolerated. DHEA treatment, relative to placebo, was not associated with improvement in ADAS-Cog scores at month 6 (last observation carried forward; p = 0.10); transient improvement was noted at month 3 (p = 0.014; cutoff for Bonferroni significance = 0.0125). No difference between treatments was seen on the CIBIC-Plus at either the 6-month or the 3-month time points. CONCLUSIONS: DHEA did not significantly improve cognitive performance or overall ratings of change in severity in this small-scale pilot study. A transient effect on cognitive performance may have been seen at month 3, but narrowly missed significance.

Aged↗

PubMed1988

Protection against acute lethal viral infections with the native steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

A significant protective effect of a native adrenal steroid, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), was demonstrated in studies of two lethal viral infection models in mice: systemic coxsackievirus B4 and herpes simplex type 2 encephalitis. The steroid was active either by long-term feeding or by a single subcutaneous injection. A closely related steroid, etiocholanolone, was not protective in these models. Histopathological analysis, leukocyte counts, and numbers of spleen antibody forming cells in the coxsackievirus B4 model suggests that DHEA functions by maintaining or potentiating the immune competence of mice otherwise depressed by viral infection. DHEA was not effective in genetically immunodeficient HRS/J hr/hr mice and did not demonstrate antiviral activity in vitro. While the molecular basis for DHEA's effect on the immune system is not known, studies by others suggest that it may counteract the stress related immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids stimulated by viral infection. Because DHEA is a native steroid that has been used clinically with minimal side effects, the utility of DHEA in the therapeutic modulation of acute and chronic viral infections including the acquired immune deficiency syndrome deserves intensive study.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Skin permeation study of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) compared with its alpha-cyclodextrin complex form.

Several studies have shown that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has promising uses in a large range of pathologies including age-related illnesses (osteoporosis, atherosclerosis), immune dysfunctions, and cancer. A long-term oral dosage form would be favorable, but this type of medication has not been developed yet because of the important first-pass effect and low and variable bioavailability. A proposed alternative strategy is the preparation of DHEA for transdermal permeation, allowing direct absorption in the systemic circulation. DHEA has shown good permeation properties through the stratum corneum, however its poor water solubility limits its dosage form concentration and represents the major obstacle to the formulation of a reservoir transdermal system. However, alpha-cyclodextrins have been shown to improve the solubility, the dissolution properties, and the partition coefficient of DHEA. This paper deals with the formulation and evaluation of a transdermal gel containing an alpha-cyclodextrin complex with DHEA. In in vitro permeation tests on porcine skin, the formulation containing the complex improved the permeation flux of DHEA. The study also shows that a gel formulation improved drug permeation with respect to simple water suspension.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) such as 17beta-estradiol prevents MPTP-induced dopamine depletion in mice.

Previous work from our laboratory has shown prevention of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced striatal dopamine (DA) depletion in mice by 17beta-estradiol, progesterone, and raloxifene. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a neurosteroid, was shown to have neuroprotective activities in various paradigms of neuronal death but its effect in vivo in mice on MPTP toxicity has not been reported. We investigated the effects of 17beta-estradiol (2 microg/day) and DHEA (3 mg/day) for 5 days before and after an acute treatment of four MPTP (10 mg/kg) injections in male C57Bl/6 mice. Striatal DA concentrations and its metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were measured by HPLC. MPTP mice that received 17beta-estradiol or DHEA had striatal DA, DOPAC, and HVA concentrations comparable to intact animals and higher than striatal DA, DOPAC, and HVA levels in saline-MPTP-treated mice. MPTP treatment led to an increase of striatal DA turnover (assessed with the HVA/DA ratio); DHEA and 17beta-estradiol prevented this increase. 17beta-Estradiol did not affect striatal DA and metabolites concentrations in intact mice in this paradigm. Furthermore, in the substantia nigra DHEA and 17beta-estradiol prevented the MPTP-induced dopamine transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA decreases measured by in situ hybridization. Therefore, DHEA such as 17beta-estradiol is active in preventing the catecholamine-depleting effect of MPTP and our results suggest that this involves neuroprotection of DA neurons.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A review of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is quantitatively the most abundant hormone in humans and mammals, with a wide variety of physiological effects, including major regulatory effects upon the immune system. Two of the most striking aspects of DHEA are a steady decline in DHEA with age and a significant deficiency in DHEA in patients with several major diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. The hormone is secreted in a non-sulfated (DHEA) and sulfated form (DHEA-S). The two are apparently interchangeable, and it appears likely that its physiological effects are achieved by derivative molecules that have yet to be identified.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Amelioration of murine antigen-induced arthritis by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Sex hormones have immunomodulatory properties and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study sought to examine the effects of the natural weak androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its metabolite androstenediol (AED) on the development of murine antigen-induced arthritis (AIA). METHODS: DHEA and AED were administered orally, approximately 10 mg/day, from the time of AIA induction (i.e., 3 weeks after start of immunization) in young male as well as young and old female C57BL/6 mice. The effects were assessed in terms of joint swelling, histological changes, and cell-mediated and humoral immunity. RESULTS: Compared to untreated AIA animals, continuous administration of DHEA decreased knee joint swelling during acute and chronic AIA, as well as histological signs of inflammation and joint destruction during chronic AIA. These effects were age- and gender-independent. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to the specific antigen methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) was significantly reduced, but there were no changes in the balance of the T helper (Th) cell subsets Th1/Th2, as tested by the ratio of IgG isotypes in the sera. Whereas serum levels of IgG antibodies to mBSA were not influenced, the formation of IgG autoantibodies to the matrix constituents collagen type I, collagen type II, and cartilage proteoglycans was significantly inhibited. In all experiments, the effects of AED were not significantly stronger than those of DHEA. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of exogenous DHEA ameliorates the severity of acute and chronic AIA, presumably by suppressing cell-mediated immunity against mBSA (the inducing antigen) and formation of autoantibodies. However, because of the fundamentally different DHEA physiology in rodents, the role of such a replacement therapy in human RA deserves further elucidation.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2005

Cortisol and DHEA-S are associated with startle potentiation during aversive conditioning in humans.

RATIONALE: Fear conditioning reliably increases the startle reflex and stress hormones, yet very little is known about the effect of stress hormones on fear-potentiated startle. Cortisol and the sulfate ester of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S) are involved in stress and anxiety. Evidence suggests that low cortisol/DHEA-S ratio has a buffering effect on stress and anxiety in preclinical and clinical studies, suggesting that there may be a relationship between fear-potentiated startle and cortisol and DHEA-S activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine whether there is a relationship between cortisol/DHEA-S ratio and fear-potentiated startle. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects participated in a differential aversive conditioning experiment during which one of two stimuli (CS+) was paired with a shock, and the other was not (CS-). Conditioned responses were assessed with the startle reflex, defined as startle potentiation during CS+ compared to CS-. DHEA-S and cortisol levels were assayed from blood samples collected in both a baseline and an aversive conditioning session. Subjective state anxiety, arousal, and valence were assessed at various times during testing. RESULTS: Fear-potentiated startle was larger in individuals with high compared to low cortisol/DHEA-S ratio. Multiple regression analyses revealed that fear-potentiated startle was positively associated with cortisol and negatively associated with DHEA-S. There was no significant correlation between DHEA-S and cortisol levels. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that cortisol and DHEA-S are involved in fear conditioning.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Increase in calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and decrease in mast cells in dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced polycystic rat ovaries.

UNLABELLED: The polycystic ovary is reported to correspond with a high density in intraovarian nerve fibers and their sympathetic hyperresponsiveness. Peptidergic nerves may also be involved in this process. An interaction between nerve fibers and mast cells is assumed because of nerve growth-factor production by mast cells. Here we investigated CGRP-positive nerve fibers and mast cells in polycystic ovaries induced in immature rats with dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The DHEA treated ovaries contained less corpora lutea than controls (mean +/- SEM: 4.3 +/- 0.6 versus 11.3 +/- 0.9, P > 0.001) and less intact antral follicles (4.7 +/- 0.7 versus 8.1 +/- 1.1; P < 0.05) according to the histometric approach. By immunolabelling more CGRP-positive nerve fibers were found in the DHEA treated ovaries than in controls (mean +/- SEM per one section: 23.2 +/- 5.8 fibers versus 10.3 +/- 0.9 and 171 +/- 44.7 varicosities versus 84 +/- 9.5). This was confirmed by dot blot analysis, showing a significant higher CGRP signal intensity per microgram homogenized ovaries of the DHEA treated group compared to the untreated (P < 0.05). Toluidine-blue-stained mast cells populated the medulla in both groups, yet had strikingly decreased in the DHEA treated ovaries (23.5 +/- 3.9 versus 89 +/- 5.6, P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The increase in CGRP-positive nerve fibers and the decrease of toluidine-blue-stained mast cells points to an altered neuroimmune function in DHEA-induced polycystic rat ovaries.

Animals↗