Studies

Medical Studies on DHEA

Correlation between salivary dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels and cervical vertebral maturation in Saudi individuals

2022-07 Al Meshari SZ, Aldweesh AH

Growth incidents usually progress in a fairly expected sequence; however, their timing and pattern vary across individual subjects. Biochemical biomarkers have an association with bone metabolism and produce signals which stimulate the growth and development of various craniofacial structures. Steroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) plays a major role in the initiation of growth hormone actions which has a significant role in promoting and accelerating skeletal maturation during puberty.

Low Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Are Associated With Coronary Heart Disease in Men With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

2022-06 Zhang X, Xiao J, Liu T, He Q, Cui J, Tang S, Li X, Liu M

Sex hormones play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the associations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in middle-aged and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The effect of medication on serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in women of reproductive age: a meta-analysis

2022-06 Yin WW, Huang CC, Chen YR, Yu DQ, Jin M, Feng C

The study aims to address whether serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels fluctuate in the short term after medication application, including oral contraceptives (OCs), metformin (MET), Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), vitamin D (VD), clomiphene citrate (CC), and letrozole (LET).

Dehydroepiandrosterone in fibrotic interstitial lung disease: a translational study

2022-06 Guler SA, Machahua C, Geiser TK, Kocher G, Marti TM, Tan B, Trappetti V, Ryerson CJ, Funke-Chambour M

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a precursor sex hormone with antifibrotic properties. The aims of this study were to investigate antifibrotic mechanisms of DHEA, and to determine the relationship between DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) plasma levels, disease severity and survival in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILDs).

The role of serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in kidney function and clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2022-05 van der Burgh AC, Khan SR, Neggers SJCMM, Hoorn EJ, Chaker L

Testosterone might mediate sex differences in kidney function and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the few studies analyzing the association between testosterone and kidney function showed conflicting results. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hair Cortisol and DHEA-S in Foals and Mares as a Retrospective Picture of Feto-Maternal Relationship under Physiological and Pathological Conditions

2022-05 Lanci A, Mariella J, Ellero N, Faoro A, Peric T, Prandi A, Freccero F, Castagnetti C

Equine fetal hair starts to grow at around 270 days of pregnancy, and hair collected at birth reflects hormones of the last third of pregnancy. The study aimed to evaluate cortisol (CORT) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) concentrations and their ratio in the trichological matrix of foals and mares in relation to their clinical parameters; the clinical condition of the neonate (study 1); the housing place at parturition (study 2).

Factors associated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titres 3 months post-vaccination with the second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine: a longitudinal observational cohort study in western Greece.

2022-03 Parthymou A, Habeos EE, Habeos GI, Deligakis A, Livieratos E, Marangos M, Chartoumpekis DV

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been extensively deployed during COVID-19 pandemic. One efficient method to evaluate response to vaccination is the assessment of humoral immunity by measuring SARS-CoV-2 antibody titres. We investigated the association between anthropometric parameters (age, body mass index), smoking, diabetes, statin use, hypertension, levels of 25(OH)D and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and SARS-CoV-2 antibody titres after vaccination.

Circadian rhythms of 11-oxygenated C19 steroids and ∆5-steroid sulfates in healthy men

2021-08 Turcu AF, Zhao L, Chen X, Yang R, Rege J, Rainey WE, Veldhuis JD, Auchus RJ

Many hormones display distinct circadian rhythms, driven by central regulators, hormonal bioavailability, and half-life. A set of 11-oxygenated C19 steroids (11-oxyandrogens) and pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) are elevated in congenital adrenal hyperplasia and other disorders, but their circadian patterns have not been characterized.

DHEA as a Biomarker of Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021-07 Dutheil F, de Saint Vincent S, Pereira B, Schmidt J, Moustafa F, Charkhabi M , Bouillon-Minois JB, Clinchamps M

Psychosocial stress is a significant public health problem inducing consequences for quality of life. Results about the use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a biomarker of acute stress are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate that DHEA levels could be a biomarker of stress.

DHEA-pretreatment attenuates oxidative stress in kidney-cortex and liver of diabetic rabbits and delays development of the disease

2021-06 Kiersztan A, Gaanga K, Witecka A, Jagielski AK

In view of reported discrepancies concerning antioxidant activity of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a widely used dietary supplement, the current investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant properties of DHEA in both kidney-cortex and liver of alloxan (ALX)-induced diabetic rabbits, as this diabetogenic compound exhibits the ROS-dependent action.

Low neuroactive steroids identifies a biological subtype of depression in adults with human immunodeficiency virus on suppressive antiretroviral therapy

2021-05 Mukerji SS, Misra V, Lorenz DR, Chettimada S, Keller K, Letendre S, Ellis RJ, Morgello S, Parker RA, Gabuzda D

The prevalence and mortality risk of depression in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is higher than in the general population, yet biomarkers for therapeutic targeting are unknown. In the current study, we aimed to identify plasma metabolites associated with depressive symptoms in people with HIV receiving ART.

Correction to: Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEAS) concentrations stringently regulate fertilization, embryo development and IVF outcomes: are we looking at a potentially compelling ‘oocyte-related factor’ in oocyte activation?

2021-05 Chimote BN, Chimote NM

Erratic oocyte-activation affects fertilization and embryo development. Dehydro-epiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) is present in theca/cumulus-granulosa cells, regulates the same calcium-pumps that cause calcium-oscillations in mice and its levels are altered in women with no or low fertilization rates. Yet no study has explored correlation of DHEAS with oocyte-activation.

Osteoblasts generate testosterone from DHEA and activate androgen signaling in prostate cancer cells

2021-04 Moon HH, Clines KL, O'Day PJ, Al-Barghouthi BM, Farber EA, Farber CR, Auchus RJ, Clines GA

Bone metastasis is a complication of prostate cancer in up to 90% of men afflicted with advanced disease. Therapies that reduce androgen exposure remain at the forefront of treatment. However, most prostate cancers transition to a state whereby reducing testicular androgen action becomes ineffective.

DHEA inhibits proliferation, migration and alters mesenchymal-epithelial transition proteins through the PI3K/Akt pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells

2021-04 Colín-Val Z, López-Díazguerrero NE, López-Marure R

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and breast cancer is the most common among women. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the most abundant steroid hormone in human serum, inhibits proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells, modulating the expression of proteins involved in mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. 

Circulating levels of sex steroid hormones and gastric cancer

2021-03 Leal YA, Song M, Zabaleta J, Medina-Escobedo G, Caron P, Lopez-Colombo A, Guillemette C, Camargo MC

Men develop gastric cancer more frequently than women, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying this sex difference. Sex steroid hormones may influence gastric cancer risk. We therefore assessed whether major circulating adrenal precursors, androgens and estrogens were associated with gastric cancer in a high-risk Mexican population.

Blood Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate as pathophysiological correlates of chronic pain: analyses using a national sample of midlife adults in the united states

2021-02 Li R, Chapman BP, Smith SM

Identifying biomarkers is a priority in translational chronic pain research. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form, DHEA-S, are adrenocortical steroids in the blood with neuroprotective properties that also produce sex hormones. They may capture key sex-specific neuroendocrine mechanisms of chronic pain.

Dehydroepiandrosterone potentiates the effect of vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity in euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis: a pilot study

2021-02 Krysiak R, Szkróbka W, Okopień B

The impact of androgens on the thyroid in women is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether vitamin D/dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) combination therapy is superior to vitamin D alone in affecting thyroid autoimmunity and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis activity in young women with autoimmune thyroid disease.

Cortisol to Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate ratio and executive function in bipolar disorder

2021-01 Tournikioti K, Alevizaki M, Michopoulos I, Mantzou A, Soldatos C, Douzenis A, Dikeos D, Ferentinos P

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with impairment in cognitive domains such as verbal memory and executive functions. Very few studies have assessed dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) in BD and its relation to cognitive functioning despite evidence showing its regulatory effects on glucocorticoid action. The aim of our study was to explore the association of cortisol, DHEA-S, and cortisol to DHEA-S ratio with visuospatial memory and executive functioning in BD.

Correlation of age and sex with urine dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level in healthy Thai volunteers

2021-01 Krorakai K, Tontipattananon S, Leemahanil R, Klangphukhiew S, Wongrathanandha C, Phaibulpanich A, Patramanon R

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAs), a prohormone secreted by the adrenal gland, plays a role in the synthesis of sex hormones, namely, androgen and estrogen. It has been found that the amount of DHEAs is correlated with age, although most studies have focused on the correlation of serum DHEAs levels with age and sex.

Cortisol-dehydroepiandrosterone ratios are inversely associated with hippocampal and prefrontal brain volume in schizophrenia

2021-01 Ji E, Weickert CS, Purves-Tyson T, White C, Handelsman DJ, Desai R, O'Donnell M, Liu D, Galletly C, Lenroot R, Weickert TW

While high levels of glucocorticoids are generally neuro-damaging, a related adrenal steroid, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), has anti-glucocorticoid and neuroprotective properties. Previous work has shown increased circulating levels of DHEA and abnormal cortisol/DHEA ratios in people with schizophrenia, however reports are limited and their relationship to neuropathology is unclear.

Impact of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and BMI in elderly women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2021-01 Hu Y, Wan P, An X, Jiang G

Despite the fact that numerous clinical studies have evaluated the positive effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and on the body mass index (BMI), more evidence is needed to certify that DHEA is a BMI-reducing agent in the elderly. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the various incompatible results and investigate the impact of DHEA supplementation on serum testosterone levels and lean body mass in elderly women.

The influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index: a systematic review and dose response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2020-12 Wang X, Feng H, Fan D, Zou G, Han Y, Liu L

The effect of DHEA supplementation on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin levels (IN) and the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in humans has not been assessed so far. Thus, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials (RCT) which assessed the effects of DHEA supplementation on FPG, IN and the HOMA-IR index in humans.

Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cardiovascular disease risk in older men and women

2020-12 Jia X, Sun C, Tang O, Gorlov I, Nambi V, Virani SS, Villareal DT, Taffet GE, Yu B, Bressler J, Boerwinkle E, Windham BG, de Lemos JA, Matsushita K, Selvin E, Michos ED, Hoogeveen RC, Ballantyne CM

Lower dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) levels have been inconsistently associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality. Data are limited for heart failure (HF) and association between DHEA-S change and events.

The effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on body composition and blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

2020-11 Wang F, He Y, O Santos H, Sathian B, C Price J, Diao J

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation has been anecdotally considered as a tool to improve body composition and health status. We aimed to verify the impact of DHEA supplementation on traditional measurements of body composition and blood pressure (BP) due to their clinical applicability.

Associations between androgens and sexual function in premenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

2020-08 Zheng J, Islam RM, Skiba MA, Bell RJ, Davis SR

Although clinicians often measure the serum concentration of androgens in premenopausal women presenting with sexual dysfunction, with some women given testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone as treatment if their concentrations are low, whether androgens are determinants of sexual function in women of reproductive age is uncertain. We aimed to clarify the associations between androgens and sexual function in a community-based sample of non-health-care-seeking women.

Impact of dehydroepianrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2020-07 Xie M, Zhong Y, Xue Q, Wu M, Deng X, O Santos H, Tan SC, Kord-Varkaneh H, Jiao P

Inconsistencies exist with regard to the influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. The inconsistencies could be attributed to several factors, such as dosage, gender, and duration of intervention, among others. To address these inconsistencies, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to combine findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic.

Associations between dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and cognitive function in 5,061 older men and women in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

2020-07 Elpers AL, Steptoe A

Despite extensive observational and intervention research, the association between concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and cognition at older ages remains unclear. This study investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between plasma DHEAS and cognitive function in a large nationally-representative cohort of men and women aged 50 and older.

Very High Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) in serum of an overweight female adolescent without a tumor

2020-05 Iliev DI, Braun R, Sánchez-Guijo A, Hartmann M, Wudy SA, Heckmann D, Bruchelt G, Rösner A, Grosser G, Geyer J, Binder G

An increase of serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate (DHEAS) is observed in premature adrenarche and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Very high DHEAS levels are typical for adrenal tumors. Approximately 74% of DHEAS is hydrolyzed to DHEA by the steroid sulfatase (STS). The reverse reaction is DHEA sulfation. Besides these two enzyme reactions, the DHEAS transported through the cell membrane is important for its distribution and excretion.

DHEA inhibits leukocyte recruitment through regulation of the integrin antagonist DEL-1

2020-03 Ziogas A, Maekawa T, Wiessner JR, Le TT, Sprott D, Troullinaki M, Neuwirth A, Anastasopoulou V, Grossklaus S, Chung KJ, Sperandio M, Chavakis T, Hajishengallis G, Alexaki VI

Leukocytes are rapidly recruited to sites of inflammation via interactions with the vascular endothelium. The steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exerts anti-inflammatory properties; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEAS) in Alzheimer’s disease

2020-01 Strac DS, Konjevod M, Perkovic MN, Tudor L, Erjavec GN, Pivac N

Neurosteroids Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEAS) are involved in many important brain functions, including neuronal plasticity and survival, cognition and behavior, demonstrating preventive and therapeutic potential in different neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.

Pharmacological activities of dehydroepiandrosterone: a review

2020-01 Sahu P, Gidwani B, Dhongade HJ

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroidal hormone secreted by Zonareticularis of the adrenal cortex with a characteristic age related pattern of secretion. These hormones are inactive precursors that are transformed into active sex steroids in peripheral target tissues. These hormones are used for the energy, vitality and the natural support of most bodily functions that involve the endocrine system.

Supplementation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in pre- and postmenopausal women – position statement of expert panel of Polish Menopause and Andropause Society

2020-01 Rabijewski M, Papierska L, Binkowska M, Maksym R, Jankowska K, Skrzypulec-Plinta W, Zgliczynski W

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration decreases with age, therefore, DHEA has been considered a hormone that reduces the symptoms associated with aging, so the usefulness of DHEA in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and the options of hormone therapy have received a large amount of attention.

Integrated targeted serum metabolomic profile and its association with gender, age, disease severity, and pattern identification in acne

2020-01 Kim MH, Ha IJ, Kim E, Kim K

Westernized diet and nutritional metabolism are important in acne pathogenesis, especially in adult patients. However, clinical and basic data are lacking. Pattern identification (PI) is a tool that results in a diagnostic conclusion based on a cluster of concurrent symptoms and signs in traditional medicine. Acne can be classified by PI.

Dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol as markers of HPA axis dysregulation in women with low sexual desire

2019-06 Basson R, O'Loughlin JI, Weinberg J, Young AH, Bodnar T, Brotto LA

Previous research has found lower serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or its sulfated form, DHEA-S, in women diagnosed with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Given that DHEA and DHEA-S have multiple direct actions on the brain as well as anti-glucocorticoid properties, it is possible that lower levels of DHEA directly impact women's sexual functioning.

The effect of long-term DHEA treatment on glucose metabolism, hydrogen peroxide and thioredoxin levels in the skeletal muscle of diabetic rats

2010-05 Jahn MP, Jacob MH, Gomes LF, Duarte R, Araujo AS, Bello-Klein A, Ribeiro MF, Kucharski LC

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous steroid hormone involved in a number of biological actions. This study shows the effects of DHEA on glucose metabolism, hydrogen peroxide and thioredoxin levels in the skeletal muscle of control and diabetic rats.

Is the DHEAS/cortisol ratio a potential filter for non-operable constipated cases?

2010-02 El-Tawil AM

Constipation is a significant manifestation of a number of psychological disorders. Published papers recommend using self-assessment questionnaires for discriminating psychological from non-psychological constipated patients before operating on them but reports from major surveys revealed that general practitioners failed to diagnose 70% of depressed patients using self-assessment questionnaires.

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits the proliferation and induces the death of HPV-positive and HPV-negative cervical cancer cells through an androgen- and estrogen-receptor independent mechanism

2009-10 Giron RA, Montano LF, Escobar ML, Lopez-Marure R

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has a protective role against epithelial-derived carcinomas; however, the mechanisms remain unknown. We determined the effect of DHEA on cell proliferation, the cell cycle and cell death in three cell lines derived from human uterine cervical cancers infected or not with human papilloma virus (HPV).

Long-term DHEA replacement in primary adrenal insufficiency: a randomized, controlled trial

2008-02 Gurnell EM, Hunt PJ, Curran SE, Conway CL, Pullenayegum EM, Huppert FA, Compston JE, Herbert J, Chatterjee VK

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) are the major circulating adrenal steroids and substrates for peripheral sex hormone biosynthesis. In Addison's disease, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiencies require lifelong replacement, but the associated near-total failure of DHEA synthesis is not typically corrected.

Dehydroepiandrosterone protects vascular endothelial cells against apoptosis through a Galphai protein-dependent activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and regulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 expression

2007-07 Liu D, Si H, Reynolds KA, Zhen W, Jia Z, Dillon JS

The adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may improve vascular function, but the mechanism is unclear. In the present study, we show that DHEA significantly increased cell viability, reduced caspase-3 activity, and protected both bovine and human vascular endothelial cells against serum deprivation-induced apoptosis.

Dehydroepiandrosterone secretion in healthy older men and women: effects of testosterone and growth hormone administration in older men

2006-11 Muniyappa R, Wong KA, Baldwin HL, Sorkin JD, Johnson ML, Bhasin S, Harman SM, Blackman MR

Aging is associated with diminished gonadal steroid and GH/IGF-I axis activity; whether these changes contribute to the parallel declines of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) production is unknown, as are the effects of sex steroid and/or GH administration on DHEA and DHEAS production.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement reduces growth hormone (GH) dose requirement in female hypopituitary patients on GH replacement

2006-11 Brooke AM, Kalingag LA, Miraki-Moud , Camacho-Hübner C, Maher KT, Walker DM, Hinson JP, Monson JP

GH dose requirement is lower in ACTH replete compared with ACTH deficient hypopituitary patients suggesting that adrenal androgens may augment IGF-I generation for a given GH dose. This study aimed to determine the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration on GH dose requirements in hypopituitary adults.

Effect of DHEAS on skeletal muscle over the life span: the InCHIANTI study

2004-05 Valenti G, Denti L, Maggio M, Ceda G, Volpato S, Bandinelli S, Ceresini G, Cappola A, Guralnik JM, Ferrucci L

It has been suggested that the reduced production of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) may be partially responsible for the decline of muscle strength and mass that often occurs with aging. However, this hypothesis has been only tested in small series of normal volunteers, with little consideration for potential confounders.

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