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Taha A, Mishra M, Baquer NZ, Sharma D. Na+ K(+)-ATPase activity in response to exogenous dehydroepiandrosterone administration in aging rat brain. Indian J Exp Biol 2008; 46:852-854. [PMID: 19245184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Influence of exogenously administered dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the activity of Na+ K+ ATPase was investigated in synaptosomal fraction from cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus and medulla regions of brain of 12 and 22 months old rats. DHEA was administered daily at the dose of 30 mg/kg/body wt, intraperitonially (ip) in both the age groups of rats for 1 month. Results showed that Na+ K+ ATPase activity, increased in DHEA treated rats in both the age groups. In terms of per cent increase, 22 months old animals showed significant increase in Na+ K+ ATPase activity in the synaptosomal fraction of all the four brain regions than in 12 months old DHEA-treated rats. This showed that exogenous DHEA modulated the activity of Na+ K+ ATPase and also protected the age-related loss of membrane integrity and functions. It was concluded that exogenous DHEA might be beneficial in terms of neuroprotection against age-related loss of Na+ K+ ATPase mediated brain functions like learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asia Taha
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India
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102
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103
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Sánchez-Guerrero J, Fragoso-Loyo HE, Neuwelt CM, Wallace DJ, Ginzler EM, Sherrer YRS, McIlwain HH, Freeman PG, Aranow C, Petri MA, Deodhar AA, Blanton E, Manzi S, Kavanaugh A, Lisse JR, Ramsey-Goldman R, McKay JD, Kivitz AJ, Mease PJ, Winkler AE, Kahl LE, Lee AH, Furie RA, Strand CV, Lou L, Ahmed M, Quarles B, Schwartz KE. Effects of prasterone on bone mineral density in women with active systemic lupus erythematosus receiving chronic glucocorticoid therapy. J Rheumatol 2008; 35:1567-1575. [PMID: 18634158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess prevention of bone mineral density (BMD) loss and durability of the response during treatment with prasterone in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving chronic glucocorticoids. METHODS 155 patients with SLE received 200 mg/day prasterone or placebo for 6 months in a double-blind phase. Subsequently, 114 patients were re-randomized to receive 200 or 100 mg/day prasterone for 12 months in an open-label phase. Primary efficacy endpoints were changes in BMD at the lumbar spine (L-spine) from baseline to Month 6 and maintenance of BMD from Month 6 to 18 for patients who received prasterone during the double-blind phase. RESULTS In the double-blind phase, there was a trend for a small gain in BMD at the L-spine for patients who received 200 mg/day prasterone for 6 months versus a loss in the placebo group (mean +/- SD, 0.003 +/- 0.035 vs -0.005 +/- 0.053 g/cm(2), respectively; p = 0.293 between groups). In the open-label phase, there was dose-dependent increase in BMD at the L-spine at Month 18 between patients who received 200 versus 100 mg/day prasterone (p = 0.021). For patients who received 200 mg/day prasterone for 18 months, the L-spine BMD gain was 1.083 +/- 0.512% (p = 0.042). There was no overall change in BMD at the total hip over 18 months with 200 mg/day prasterone treatment. The safety profile reflected the weak androgenic properties of prasterone. CONCLUSION This study suggests prasterone 200 mg/day may offer mild protection against bone loss in women with SLE receiving glucocorticoids. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers NCT00053560 and NCT00082511).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Sánchez-Guerrero
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, México.
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104
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Labrie F, Cusan L, Gomez JL, Martel C, Bérubé R, Bélanger P, Chaussade V, Deloche C, Leclaire J. Changes in serum DHEA and eleven of its metabolites during 12-month percutaneous administration of DHEA. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 110:1-9. [PMID: 18359622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2008.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2007] [Revised: 01/24/2008] [Accepted: 02/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Healthy postmenopausal women aged 60-65 years (n=150) were randomized to receive twice daily application on the skin of 3g of a 0.3% dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or placebo emulsion for 12 months. Serum DHEA and eleven of its metabolites were measured at screening and on day 1, as well as at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months to study long-term metabolism. While serum DHEA and androst-5-ene-3beta, 17beta-diol (5-diol) increased by 203% and 178%, respectively, on average, during the 12-month period, the sum of concentrations of the metabolites of androgens, namely androsterone glucuronide (ADT-G), androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol-3G and -17G increased by only 71% while usually non statistically significant changes of 30%, 17% and 20% were observed for estrone (E(1)), estradiol (E(2)) and E(1) sulfate (E(1)-S), respectively. Despite the return of serum DHEA to normal premenopausal values with the present DHEA treatment regimen, the 65% decrease in the androgen pool found in this group of postmenopausal women is in fact corrected by only 24%, thus remaining 41% below the values found in normal premenopausal women. In fact, the changes in serum DHEA observed after percutaneous DHEA administration are a 186% overestimate of the true changes in androgen formation while the overestimate of estrogen production is even much higher. On the other hand, the pharmacokinetics of the steroids are stable over the 12-month period with no significant induction or decrease of activity of the enzymatic systems transforming DHEA predominantly into androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernand Labrie
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Laval University Hospital Research Center (CRCHUL) and Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Arlt
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham.
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106
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Kodama M, Oyama A, Takagi H. Control of interstitial pneumonia by drip infusion of megadose vitamin C, dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol. A short review of our experience. In Vivo 2008; 22:263-267. [PMID: 18468413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial pneumonia can be controlled by the combined use of a prophylactic antibiotic system and the drip infusion system including megadose vitamin C, dehydroepiandrosterone (D) and cortisol (F), a fortified substitute of 3 adrenocortical elements. The response of patients was satisfying with few side-effects of F. It was shown that an excess of vitamin C improved the therapeutic efficacy of D-F complex, and that D and F improved the immunodeficient state of the host. The benefit of D as an adrenal androgen in immunology found another example in the combined use of cyclosporine A (CS) and glucocorticoid (G) in the kidney transplantation clinic: CS and G helps improve graft take by creating a state of androgen excess, as testified in both humans and mice--an alleviation of immune conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Kodama
- Kodama Research Institute of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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107
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Berger L, El-Alfy M, Labrie F. Effects of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone on vaginal histomorphology, sex steroid receptor expression and cell proliferation in the rat. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 109:67-80. [PMID: 18242978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2007.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2007] [Accepted: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent clinical studies have shown that postmenopausal hormone therapy with estrogen plus progestogen increases breast cancer risk. Moreover, intravaginal estrogen-containing pills, creams and rings lead to significant systemic exposure to estrogen, thus indicating the need for a completely novel approach to alleviate vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. DESIGN We have studied the effect of intravaginal application of dehydroepiandrosterone at daily doses of 0.33 mg, 0.66 mg or 1mg in ovariectomized animals for 2 weeks, with the objective of inducing local beneficial effects in the vagina without significant systemic action. RESULTS After 2 weeks, serum dehydroepiandrosterone, androst-5-ene-3beta,17beta-diol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate were increased over a 4h time period, but serum testosterone, estradiol, estrone and dihydrotestosterone remained below detectable levels. The suppository vehicle alone produced minimal epithelial thickening limited to the vaginal distal half. The morphological effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on vaginal mucosa were observed at the lowest dose and consisted mainly of a typical androgenic effect of epithelial mucification. No change in morphological features related to cell proliferation was observed at any dehydroepiandrosterone dose on uterus, mammary gland and skin. At the highest dose, body weight showed a significant decrease, thus indicating a systemic effect on lipid accumulation. Immunohistochemistry for androgen, estrogen alpha and progesterone receptors did not reveal any significant systemic effects in the uterus, mammary gland and skin except some suggestion of increased androgen receptor labeling in mammary gland and skin at the highest dehydroepiandrosterone dose. CONCLUSION The present data show that intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone can exert beneficial effects limited to the vagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Berger
- Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Center, Laval University Medical Center CHUL and Laval University, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
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108
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Wang M, Xiang P, Yan H, Shen B, Shen M. [Determination of endogenous steroids in urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectromretry]. Se Pu 2008; 26:10-14. [PMID: 18438017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A method was developed for the determination of endogenous steroids in urine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with methyltestosterone as internal standard. After enzymatic hydrolysis by beta-glucuronidase and liquid-liquid extraction, the urine sample was chromatographed on a Cosmosil C18 column with a mixture of methanol and ammonium acetate-formic acid (68:32, v/v) as mobile phase, then detected using MS/MS system with electrospray ionization (ESI) in multi-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The detection limits ranged from 0.01 ng/mL to 10 ng/mL. The recoveries ranged from 96.7% to 106.5%, and the intra- and inter-day precisions (measured as relative standard deviations) were less than 7% and 11%, respectively. With simple and fast sample preparation, the method was sensitive and specific for simultaneous determination of these 5 kinds of endogenous steroids in urine. The method has been successfully applied in pharmacokinetic study and is thus a potential alternative for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based procedures in routine analysis of endogenous steroids such as DHEA in human urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengye Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shanghaii Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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109
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Pelletier G, Labrie C, Martel C, Labrie F. Chronic administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to female monkey and rat has no effect on mammary gland histology. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 108:102-8. [PMID: 17933518 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2007.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2007] [Accepted: 07/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the major steroid precursor of androgens and estrogens produced in peripheral tissues in primates, has been shown to exert chemopreventive effect on the development of carcinogen-induced rat mammary tumors. Since little is known on the effect of DHEA administration on mammary gland physiology and histology, we have studied the effect of long-term administration of DHEA to normal female monkey and rat on mammary gland histology as well as on serum DHEA, DHEA sulphate (DHEA-S), testosterone and estradiol levels. In monkeys, DHEA treatment (2 or 10 mg/(kg b.w.day)) induced a dose-related increase in serum DHEA and DHEA-S (above 20-fold) levels. At the highest dose of DHEA, serum testosterone levels were significantly increased (three- to fourfold), while serum estradiol concentration was not modified. DHEA treatment did not modify the histological characteristics of monkey mammary glands. In the rat, following DHEA administration (10 or 100 mg/(kg b.w.day)), a dose-related marked increase in serum DHEA and DHEA-S was observed. Serum testosterone was also increased in DHEA-treated animals, while no significant changes in serum estradiol levels were detected. As in the monkey, the histology of the female rat mammary gland remained unchanged following long-term treatment with any of the two doses of DHEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pelletier
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, CHUL Research Center and Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
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110
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Labrie F, Bélanger A, Labrie C, Candas B, Cusan L, Gomez JL. Bioavailability and metabolism of oral and percutaneous dehydroepiandrosterone in postmenopausal women. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 107:57-69. [PMID: 17627814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2007.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2006] [Accepted: 02/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To study the bioavailability of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administered by the oral and percutaneous routes, three groups of 12 postmenopausal women aged 60-70 years received two capsules of 50mg of DHEA orally before breakfast daily for 14 days or applied 4 g of a 10% DHEA cream or gel at the same time of the day on a 30 cm x 30 cm surface area on the thighs. Detailed serial blood sampling over 24h was performed following 1st and 14th DHEA administration for measurement of DHEA and nine of its metabolites by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Serum levels of estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) did not change following DHEA administration by any of the three formulations, while serum androstenedione (4-dione), testosterone, DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S), E(1)-S, androsterone glucuronide (ADT-G) and 3alpha-androstanediol-G (3alpha-diol-G), increased in all cases, the effect on these parameters being more important after oral than percutaneous administration due to the metabolism of DHEA into these metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. No qualitative differences in DHEA metabolism are observed between the oral and percutaneous routes of DHEA administration while the levels of all steroids remain on a plateau during the 24h period during chronic percutaneous DHEA administration. The present data show that DHEA is transformed into active androgens and estrogens in peripheral intracrine tissues with no or minimal release of the active steroids E(1), E(2) or testosterone in the circulation. Moreover, DHEA is preferentially transformed into androgens rather than into estrogens. Most importantly, the present data show that changes in serum DHEA following oral or percutaneous DHEA administration are not a valid parameter of DHEA action since the increase in serum DHEA is at least 100% greater than the increase in the formation of active androgens and estrogens and thus much higher than the potential physiological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Labrie
- Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology Research Center, Laval University Hospital (CHUL) and Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
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111
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Oberbeck R, Deckert H, Bangen J, Kobbe P, Schmitz D. Dehydroepiandrosterone: a modulator of cellular immunity and heat shock protein 70 production during polymicrobial sepsis. Intensive Care Med 2007; 33:2207-13. [PMID: 17898998 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-007-0851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2007] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE DHEA is an immunomodulatory steroid hormone that improves survival during systemic inflammation. A DHEA-induced modulation of heat shock protein response may be an alternative mechanism contributing to the beneficial effects of this hormone. We investigated the effect of DHEA administration on survival, cellular immune functions, and HSP-70 production in septic mice. DESIGN AND SETTING Randomized animal study, level I trauma center, university research laboratory. SUBJECTS Male NMRI mice. INTERVENTIONS Mice were subjected to sham operation (laparotomy, LAP) or sepsis (cecal ligation and puncture, CLP) with or without administration of either saline 0.9% (LAP, CLP) or 20 mg/kg DHEA subcutaneously (LAP/DHEA, CLP/DHEA). Survival was monitored over a 48-h period. Splenocyte apoptosis rate (AnnexinV binding), splenocyte proliferation ([3H]thymidine incorporation), TNF-alpha plasma concentration (ELISA), and HSP-70 concentration (ELISA) in tissue extracts from liver, lung, and spleen were monitored 48 h after onset of sepsis. RESULTS DHEA administration improved the survival of septic mice (78% vs. 50%). This effect was paralleled by increased splenocyte proliferation, decreased cellular apoptosis rate of splenocytes, and attenuation of TNF-alpha release. Furthermore, an increased HSP-70 concentration was observed in lungs and spleens of DHEA-treated septic animals. CONCLUSIONS DHEA-treatment decreased the mortality rate of septic mice. This was accompanied by improved cellular immune functions and an augmented heat shock response (HSP-70) of lungs and spleens. Further studies are required to demonstrate a direct relationship between the improved survival and the observed alterations in the immune system in DHEA-treated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiner Oberbeck
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany.
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112
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Kibaly C, Meyer L, Patte-Mensah C, Mensah-Nyagan AG. Biochemical and functional evidence for the control of pain mechanisms by dehydroepiandrosterone endogenously synthesized in the spinal cord. FASEB J 2007; 22:93-104. [PMID: 17720801 DOI: 10.1096/fj.07-8930com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the role and mechanism of action of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) produced by the spinal cord (SC) in pain modulation in sciatic-neuropathic and control rats. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after reverse transcription revealed cytochrome P450c17 (DHEA-synthesizing enzyme) gene repression in neuropathic rat SC. A combination of pulse-chase experiments, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and flow-scintillation detection showed decreased DHEA biosynthesis from pregnenolone in neuropathic SC slices. Radioimmunoassays demonstrated endogenous DHEA level drop in neuropathic SC. Behavioral analysis showed a rapid pronociceptive and a delayed antinociceptive action of acute DHEA treatment. Inhibition of DHEA biosynthesis in the SC by intrathecally administered ketoconazole (P450c17 inhibitor) induced analgesia in neuropathic rats. BD1047 (sigma-1 receptor antagonist) blocked the transient pronociceptive effect evoked by acute DHEA administration. Chronic DHEA treatment increased and maintained elevated the basal nociceptive thresholds in neuropathic and control rats, suggesting that androgenic metabolites generated from daily administered DHEA exerted analgesic effects while DHEA itself (before being metabolized) induced a rapid pronociceptive action. Indeed, intrathecal administration of testosterone, an androgen deriving from DHEA, caused analgesia in neuropathic rats. Together, these molecular, biochemical, and functional results demonstrate that DHEA synthesized in the SC controls pain mechanisms. Possibilities are opened for pain modulation by drugs regulating P450c17 in nerve cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherkaouia Kibaly
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7168/LC2-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Louis Pasteur, Département Nociception et Douleur, Strasbourg, France
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113
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Abstract
In recent years it has been demonstrated that current replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids fails to fully restore health-related quality of life in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). Accordingly, replacement of zona reticularis function by DHEA is of considerable interest. Available studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of DHEA on health perception, vitality, fatigue, and (in women) sexuality. DHEA restores low circulating androgens in women into the normal range and increases IGF-1 levels. Side effects are mostly mild and related to androgenic activity of DHEA in women and include increased sebum production, facial acne, and changes in hair status. Replacement consists of a single oral dose of 25-50 mg DHEA in the morning. However, not all investigators have found effects of DHEA on well-being, most likely because of small sample size and short duration of treatment. Thus, to fully explore the role of DHEA in the treatment of AI large trials for 12-24 months are still urgently needed. Until the results of such trials are available DHEA cannot be considered part of standard replacement in AI, but compassionate use of DHEA in individual patients with AI and impaired well-being may be justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Allolio
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Department of Medicine I, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
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114
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Hamann M, Richter F, Richter A. Acute effects of neurosteroids in a rodent model of primary paroxysmal dystonia. Horm Behav 2007; 52:220-7. [PMID: 17553499 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2007] [Revised: 03/23/2007] [Accepted: 04/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of various types of dyskinesias, including dystonias, is poorly understood. Clinical and epidemiological studies in humans revealed that the severity of dyskinesias and the frequency of paroxysmal forms of the disease are altered by factors such as the onset of puberty, pregnancy, cyclical changes and stress, indicating an underlying hormonal component. The dystonic phenotype in the dt(sz) hamster, a genetic animal model of paroxysmal dystonia, has been suggested to be based on a deficit of striatal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons and changes in the GABA(A) receptor complex. In this animal model, hormonal influences seem to be also involved in the pathophysiology, but an influence of peripheral sex hormones has already been excluded. Possibly, neurosteroids as endogenous regulators of the GABA(A) receptor may be critically involved in the pathophysiology of dystonia in this animal model. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of the neurosteroids allopregnanolone acetate and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC), representing positive modulators of the GABA(A) receptor, as well as of the negative GABA(A) receptor modulators pregnenolone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), on severity of dystonia were examined in dt(sz) hamsters after acute intraperitoneal injections. Allopregnanolone acetate and THDOC exerted a moderate reduction of dystonia, whereas pregnenolone sulfate and DHEA had no significant effects. Although the effects of allopregnanolone acetate and THDOC were moderate and short-lasting, the present results suggest that changes in neurosteroid levels might be involved in the initiation of dystonic episodes. Future studies have to include measurements of brain neurosteroid levels as well as of chronic neurosteroid administrations to clarify the pathophysiological role and therapeutic potential of neurosteroids in dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Hamann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Koserstrasse 20, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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115
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Bácsi K, Kósa J, Lazáry A, Horváth H, Balla B, Lakatos P, Speer G. [Significance of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in different diseases]. Orv Hetil 2007; 148:651-7. [PMID: 17403638 DOI: 10.1556/oh.2007.27903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate are precursors of androgens and estrogens, support the gonadal sexual steroid production. The levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate are maximal between the ages of 20 and 30 years, then start a decline of 2% per year, leaving a residual of 10-20% of the peak production by the eight decade of life. The age-associated decrease may lead to osteoporosis, deterioration of lipid-metabolism, cardiovascular diseases and second type of diabetes mellitus. Decreased levels were found in autoimmune diseases and in sexual dysfunction, too. Intracrinology describes the formation of active hormones which exert their action in the same cells where synthesis took place without release into the pericellular compartment. The high local androgen and estrogen concentration may be important in the pathomechanism of hirsutism, acne, seborrhea, breast and prostate cancer. Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone resulted in a reduction of postmenopausal osteoporosis, also the decreased symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosis, psychiatric diseases and sexual disfunction. The authors summarize the metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and their role in different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztián Bácsi
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Altalános Orvostudományi Kar, I. Belgyógyászati Klinika, Budapest.
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116
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Zhao S, Ma H, Zou S, Chen W. Effects of In Ovo Administration of DHEA on Lipid Metabolism and Hepatic Lipogenetic Genes Expression in Broiler Chickens During Embryonic Development. Lipids 2007; 42:749-57. [PMID: 17574488 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-007-3068-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 04/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In order to study the mechanism of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) in reducing fat in broiler chickens during embryonic development, fertilized eggs were administrated with DHEA before incubation and its effect on lipid metabolism and expression of hepatic lipogenetic genes was investigated. The mRNA levels of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), malic enzyme (ME), apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) and sterol regulator element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) were determined using real time quantitative PCR. Samples of livers were collected from the chickens on days 9, 14, and 19 of embryonic development as well as at hatching. Blood samples were extracted on days 14, 19 of incubation and at hatching. The results showed that DHEA decreased the concentration of triacyglycerol in the blood and the content in liver, and the mRNA levels of ACC, FAS, ME, SREBP-1c and apoB. This suggested that DHEA decreased the expression of hepatic lipogenetic genes and suppressed triglycerols transport, by which it reduced the deposition of fat in adipose tissue in broiler chickens during embryonic development and hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, The Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
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Peng XD, Xu DH, Jin J, Mei XT, Lv JY, Xu SB. Determination of a new active steroid by high performance liquid chromatography with laser-induced fluorescence detection following the pre-column derivatization. Int J Pharm 2007; 337:25-30. [PMID: 17482394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2007.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2006] [Revised: 03/19/2007] [Accepted: 03/28/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A sensitive analytical method for the determination of a new active steroid, butane acid-(5-androsten-17-one-3beta-ol)-diester (A1998), was developed by high performance liquid chromatography with laser-induced fluorescence detection following the pre-column derivatization with dansylhydrazine. The calibration curve for A1998 derivatization was found linear in the dynamic range from 0.025 to 5.0 microg/ml, with the precision less than 6% (CV) and the mean extraction efficiency greater than 92%. In 200 microl of plasma samples the limit of quantitation was as low as 0.025 microg/ml with a signal-to-noise ratio of 10. This assaying was further applied to the determination of the pharmacokinetic parameters of A1998 in rats with an intravenous injection of A1998. Values for clearance for elimination, volume of distribution at steady state and terminal half life in the above case were determined as 50.3+/-1.1 ml/min kg, 1329.0+/-111.0 ml/kg and 44.0+/-2.7 min, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Dong Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, Guangdong Province, China
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118
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Rabijewski M, Zgliczyński W. [Dehydroepiandrosterone therapy in men with angiographically verified coronary heart disease: the effects on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and fibrinogen plasma concentrations]. Endokrynol Pol 2007; 58:213-219. [PMID: 17940987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of DHEA therapy on fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) plasma concentrations in men with decreased serum DHEA-S levels and angiographically verified coronary heart disease (CHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included thirty men aged 41-60 years (mean age 52 +/- 0.90 yr) with serum DHEA-S concentration < 2000 mg/l, who were randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Subjects completed the 80 days study of 40 days of 150 mg oral DHEA daily or placebo, and next groups were changed after 30 days of wash-out. Fasting early morning blood samples were obtained at baseline and after each treatment to determine serum hormones levels (testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, FSH and estradiol) and also fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) plasma concentrations. RESULTS Administration of DHEA was associated with 4.5-fold increase in DHEA-S levels. Estrogen levels significantly increased after DHEA from 22.1 +/- 0.7 pg/ml to 26.4 +/- 1.6 pg/l (mean +/- SEM; p < 0.05), while testosterone levels did not changed. Fibrinogen concentrations significantly decreased in DHEA group from 4.5 +/- 0.3 g/l to 3.83 +/- 0.2 g/l (p < 0.05 vs. placebo). Changes of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were not statistical significant (respectively: 8.37 +/- 0.4 ng/ml vs. 8.93 +/- 0.5 ng/ml and 82.3 +/- 6.3 ng/ml vs. 92.7 +/- 9.1 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM; NS vs. placebo). Tolerance of the treatment was good and no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS DHEA therapy in dose of 150 mg daily during 40 days in men with DHEAS levels < 2000 mg/l and angiographically verified coronary heart disease (CHD) was connected with significant decreasing of fibrinogen concentration and increasing of estradiol levels, and did not influence on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) plasma concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Rabijewski
- Klinika Endokrynologii, Centrum Medycznego Kształcenia Podyplomowego, Warszawa.
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Andrade S, Silveira SL, Gomez R, Barros HMT, Ribeiro MFM. Gender differences of acute and chronic administration of dehydroepiandrosterone in rats submitted to the forced swimming test. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2007; 31:613-21. [PMID: 17223242 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2006.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2006] [Revised: 11/21/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Previous pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating the antidepressant potential of DHEA revealed conflicting results. In this study, the effects of exogenous DHEA on performance in the forced swimming test (FST) were examined in male and female Wistar rats in different phases of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, the effects of treatment and of the FST, on corticosterone and DHEA serum levels were investigated. Acute administration of DHEA (2 mg/kg) significantly increased freezing only in proestrus female rats. Similarly, the chronic administration of DHEA (2 mg/kg) increased freezing duration and decreased climbing behavior but only in females in diestrus II compared to those given vehicle. These results demonstrate that chronically administered DHEA induces a depressant-like effect, and this effect is sex dependent. There was no direct correlation between corticosterone levels or the corticosterone/DHEA ratio and the behaviors studied. After the FST, serum DHEA and corticosterone levels were increased, with females showing higher DHEA levels than males. Nevertheless, corticosterone levels were unaltered with chronic procedure; an effect that was independent of sex and treatment. These findings are relevant for research examining alternative treatment for depression and may elucidate the gender differences involved in stress-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Andrade
- Department of Physiology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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120
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Zenk JL, Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA. HUM5007, a novel combination of thermogenic compounds, and 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone: each increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults. J Nutr Biochem 2007; 18:629-34. [PMID: 17418559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2006.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2006] [Revised: 11/06/2006] [Accepted: 11/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone alone (7-Keto) and in combination with calcium citrate, green tea extract, ascorbic acid, chromium nicotinate and cholecalciferol (HUM5007) will increase the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of overweight subjects maintained on a calorie-restricted diet. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, overweight adults on a calorie-restricted diet were randomized to three 7-day treatment periods with 7-Keto, HUM5007 or placebo. Resting metabolic rate was measured by indirect calorimetry at the beginning and end of each treatment period with a 7-day washout between testing periods. Of 45 subjects enrolled, 40 completed the study (30 women, 10 men; mean age, 38.5 years; mean mass index, 32.0 kg/m(2)). During the placebo treatment, RMR decreased by 3.9% (75+/-111 kcal/day; mean+/-S.D.); however, RMR increased significantly by 1.4% (21+/-115 kcal/day) and 3.4% (59+/-118 kcal/day) during the 7-Keto and HUM5007 treatment periods, respectively (each compared to placebo, P=.001). No significant differences were found between the treatment periods with respect to compliance or adverse events. In this study, the administration of HUM5007 or 7-Keto reversed the decrease in RMR normally associated with dieting. HUM5007 and 7-Keto increased RMR above basal levels and may benefit obese individuals with impaired energy expenditure. HUM5007 and 7-Keto were generally well tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Zenk
- Department of Clinical Affairs, Minnesota Applied Research Center, Edina, MN 55435, USA.
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121
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Abstract
The aging process is associated with a characteristic decline in the levels of certain hormones. In both sexes, growth hormones, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate compound DHEAS reach their maximum levels in the third decade of life, and then decline progressively. In addition, a constant decrease in the production of biologically active free testosterone of approximately 1% per year is observed in men. The abrupt cessation of sex hormone production seen in women is not observed in men. Irrespective of the hormone being supplemented, it should always be remembered that not merely the hormone-producing organ, but also the target tissue has aged, and may thus manifest a different reaction to the substituted hormone than youthful tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Von Bamberger
- Präventions Centrum, Hamburg (MPCH) am, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf.
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122
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Basu R, Dalla Man C, Campioni M, Basu A, Nair KS, Jensen MD, Khosla S, Klee G, Toffolo G, Cobelli C, Rizza RA. Two years of treatment with dehydroepiandrosterone does not improve insulin secretion, insulin action, or postprandial glucose turnover in elderly men or women. Diabetes 2007; 56:753-66. [PMID: 17327446 DOI: 10.2337/db06-1504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
To determine if dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement improves insulin secretion, insulin action, and/or postprandial glucose metabolism, 112 elderly subjects with relative DHEA deficiency ingested a labeled mixed meal and underwent a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test before and after 2 years of either DHEA or placebo. Despite restoring DHEA sulphate concentrations to values observed in young men and women, the changes over time in fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations, meal appearance, glucose disposal, and endogenous glucose production were identical to those observed after 2 years of placebo. The change over time in postmeal and intravenous glucose tolerance test insulin and C-peptide concentrations did not differ in men treated with DHEA or placebo. In contrast, postmeal and intravenous glucose tolerance test change over time in insulin and C-peptide concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in women after DHEA than after placebo. However, since DHEA tended to decrease insulin action, the change over time in disposition indexes did not differ between DHEA- and placebo-treated women, indicating that the slight increase in insulin secretion was a compensatory response to a slight decrease in insulin action. We conclude that 2 years of replacement of DHEA in elderly men and women does not improve insulin secretion, insulin action, or the pattern of postprandial glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Basu
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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123
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Yamada Y, Sekihara H, Omura M, Yanase T, Takayanagi R, Mune T, Yasuda K, Ishizuka T, Ueshiba H, Miyachi Y, Iwasaki T, Nakajima A, Nawata H. Changes in serum sex hormone profiles after short-term low-dose administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to young and elderly persons. Endocr J 2007; 54:153-62. [PMID: 17185878 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.k05-132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In man, serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) decrease with age after the twenties. For this reason, the decline in DHEA and DHEAS concentrations may be related to the development of some chronic diseases that are prevalent in the older age population. In this study, we evaluate the benefit and safety level of DHEA administration to men as a hormone replacement therapy. Twenty-two healthy Japanese males (age 26-63; mean +/- SD, 41.0 +/- 10.0 yrs.) received 25 mg DHEA once a day orally in the morning for two weeks. Serum concentrations of steroid hormones and cytokines were measured before and after the DHEA administration. Glucose tolerance and insulin resistance were also assessed before and after the DHEA administration using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R), respectively. Serum DHEA and DHEAS levels were significantly elevated after the DHEA administration for all ages of test subjects. In subjects who were older than 41 yrs. (older group) serum androstenedione and estradiol levels were elevated after the DHEA administration. Significant negative correlations were observed between the serum DHEA concentration and the serum concentration of fasting insulin, HOMA-R, leptin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein for all subjects. Daily administration of 25 mg DHEA increased the serum DHEA, DHEAS, androstenedione, and estradiol levels of the subjects of the older group to the same level as that of younger subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Yamada
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine
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Labrie F, Bélanger A, Bélanger P, Bérubé R, Martel C, Cusan L, Gomez J, Candas B, Chaussade V, Castiel I, Deloche C, Leclaire J. Metabolism of DHEA in postmenopausal women following percutaneous administration. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 103:178-88. [PMID: 17084625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2006.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2006] [Accepted: 09/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The marked decline in serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) with age is believed to play a role in health problems associated with aging, these health issues being potentially preventable or reversible by the exogenous administration of DHEA. In the present study, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and gas chromatrography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used to measure the serum levels of DHEA and 11 of its metabolites in seventy-five 60-65-year-old Caucasian women who received 3g of 0.1%, 0.3%, 1.0% or 2.0% DHEA cream or placebo applied twice daily on the face, upper chest, arms and legs. The serum levels of DHEA increased 574% over control at the 2.0% DHEA dose while the sum of the androgen metabolites androsterone glucuronide (ADT-G), 3alpha-androstenediol-3G (3alpha-diol-3G) and 3alpha-diol-17G increased by only 231%. On the other hand, serum testosterone and dihydrosterone were increased by 192% and 275%, respectively, above basal levels compared to 139% and 158% for estrone and estradiol. Such data show that the transformation of exogenous DHEA in postmenopausal women is preferentially into androgens rather than into estrogens. On the other hand, the present data indicate that serum DHEA measurements following DHEA supplementation in postmenopausal women are an overestimate of the formation of active androgens and estrogens and suggest a decreased efficiency of transformation of DHEA into androgens and estrogens with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernand Labrie
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Laval University Hospital Research Center (CRCHUL) and Laval University, Québec City, Canada.
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125
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Patel MA, Katyare SS. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment on oxidative energy metabolism in rat liver and brain mitochondria. A dose–response study. Clin Biochem 2007; 40:57-65. [PMID: 17052700 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2006.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2006] [Revised: 08/26/2006] [Accepted: 08/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Effects of treatment with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on oxidative energy metabolism in rat liver and brain mitochondria were examined. DESIGN AND METHODS Young adult rats were administered DHEA (0.1, 0.2, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg body weight) by subcutaneous route for 7 consecutive days. RESULTS DHEA treatment resulted in general, in stimulation of state 3 respiration rates without having any uncoupling effect on ADP/O ratios. The stimulation of state 3 respiration rate for a given substrate was dose dependent in a tissue-specific manner. Parallel increases in the contents of cytochromes aa(3) and b were also noted. DHEA treatment stimulated the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and succinate DCIP reductase (SDR) activities. Under the treatment conditions, mitochondrial ATPase activity was also stimulated. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with DHEA significantly stimulated oxidative energy metabolism in liver and brain mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal A Patel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat 390 002, India
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126
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Ramos-Montoya A, Lee WNP, Bassilian S, Lim S, Trebukhina RV, Kazhyna MV, Ciudad CJ, Noé V, Centelles JJ, Cascante M. Pentose phosphate cycle oxidative and nonoxidative balance: A new vulnerable target for overcoming drug resistance in cancer. Int J Cancer 2006; 119:2733-41. [PMID: 17019714 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The metabolic network of cancer cells confers adaptive mechanisms against many chemotherapeutic agents, but also presents critical constraints that make the cells vulnerable to perturbation of the network due to drug therapy. To identify these fragilities, combination therapies based on targeting the nucleic acid synthesis metabolic network at multiple points were tested. Results showed that cancer cells overcome single hit strategies through different metabolic network adaptations, demonstrating the robustness of cancer cell metabolism. Analysis of these adaptations also identified the maintenance of pentose phosphate cycle oxidative and nonoxidative balance to be critical for cancer cell survival and vulnerable to chemotherapeutic intervention. The vulnerability of cancer cells to the imbalance on pentose phosphate cycle was demonstrated by phenotypic phase plane analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ramos-Montoya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, CeRQT-Parc Cientific de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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127
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival remains an issue in pulmonary hypertension, a chronic disorder that often affects aged human adults. In young adult mice and rats, chronic 50% hypoxia (11% FIO2 or 0.5 atm) induces pulmonary hypertension without threatening life. In this framework, oral dehydroepiandrosterone was recently shown to prevent and reverse pulmonary hypertension in rats within a few weeks. To evaluate dehydroepiandrosterone therapy more globally, in the long term and in old age, we investigated whether hypoxia decreases lifespan and whether dehydroepiandrosterone improves survival under hypoxia. METHODS 240 C57BL/6 mice were treated, from the age of 21 months until death, by normobaric hypoxia (11% FIO2) or normoxia, both with and without dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (25 mg/kg in drinking water) (4 groups, N = 60). Survival, pulmonary artery and heart remodeling, weight and blood patterns were assessed. RESULTS In normoxia, control mice reached the median age of 27 months (median survival: 184 days). Hypoxia not only induced cardiopulmonary remodeling and polycythemia in old animals but also induced severe weight loss, trembling behavior and high mortality (p < 0.001, median survival: 38 days). Under hypoxia however, dehydroepiandrosterone not only significantly reduced cardiopulmonary remodeling but also remarkably extended survival (p < 0.01, median survival: 126 days). Weight loss and trembling behavior at least partially remained, and polycythemia completely, the latter possibly favorably participating in blood oxygenation. Interestingly, at the dose used, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was detrimental to long-term survival in normoxia (p < 0.05, median survival: 147 days). CONCLUSION Dehydroepiandrosterone globally reduced what may be called an age-related frailty induced by hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. This interestingly recalls an inverse correlation found in the prospective PAQUID epidemiological study, between dehydroepiandrosterone blood levels and mortality in aged human smokers and former smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard H Debonneuil
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 788. Pincus Building, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
| | - Janine Quillard
- Service d'Anatomo-Pathologie, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Etienne-Emile Baulieu
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche 788. Pincus Building, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre Cedex, France
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128
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Yang R, Tibbs BM, Chang B, Nguyen C, Woodall C, Steppacher R, Helling T, Morrison DC, Van Way CW. Effect of DHEA on the Hemodynamic Response to Resuscitation in a Porcine Model of Hemorrhagic Shock. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 61:1343-9. [PMID: 17159675 DOI: 10.1097/01.ta.0000222955.14191.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemorrhagic shock is a major cause of death from trauma. Pharmacologic treatment has not been satisfactory. The objective of this study was to use a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation to access the hemodynamic effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal steroid hormone reported to improve cardiac function in patients. METHODS Hemorrhagic shock was produced in 20- to 30-kg male Yorkshire pigs anesthetized with 2% isoflurane by withdrawing blood through a carotid cannula to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 to 45 mm Hg and maintaining that level for 60 minutes by further removals of blood. Resuscitation was with 21 mL/kg Ringer's lactate (LR), with (n = 6) or without (n = 6) DHEA (4 mg/kg) dissolved in propylene glycol. The animals were killed after 7 days. Continuous cardiac output (CCO) was recorded using a modified Swan-Ganz catheter system. MAP, heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) were measured every 5 minutes until 60 minutes postresuscitation. From MAP, CCO, HR, and CVP, we calculated total peripheral resistance (TPR), stroke volume (SV), and left ventricular stroke work (SW). RESULTS The MAP, CCO, SV, and SW decreased significantly during hemorrhagic shock, and then gradually increased to baseline levels during and 1 hour after resuscitation. The TPR was increased during hemorrhagic shock, and then gradually decreased to baseline levels during and after resuscitation. DHEA administration was associated with no significant improvement. CONCLUSION DHEA when added to standard fluid resuscitation showed no added benefit as resumed by the hemodynamic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongjie Yang
- Department of Surgery, Shock/Trauma Research Center, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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129
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Abstract
PURPOSE The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects and toxicities, drug interactions, dosage and administration, and safety issues related to the use of prasterone are discussed. SUMMARY Prasterone is a proprietary synthetic dehydroepiandrosterone product under investigation for use in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who are taking glucocorticoids. Initial trials investigated prasterone as a treatment to improve disease activity and symptoms in women with mild to moderate SLE. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve prasterone's labeling for these indications. Subsequent trials have focused on prasterone as a treatment to limit bone loss in women who have SLE. A study was conducted to assess bone mineral density in patients who had been taking glucocorticoids for six months or longer. The patients in the prasterone group showed an increase in bone mineral density, while the placebo group demonstrated a loss. The most common adverse effects of prasterone therapy were acne and hirsutism. Hematuria, hypertension, and serum creatinine concentration increases have also occurred. Interactions of prasterone potentially exist with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and additive or antagonistic effects could possibly occur with androgens, estrogens, oral contraceptives, and progestins. In clinical trials, oral prasterone dosages of 100-200 mg/day were administered. These dosages have resulted in supraphysiological hormone levels. CONCLUSION FDA has granted orphan drug status for the prevention of loss of bone mineral density in SLE patients taking glucocorticoids. FDA is requesting additional Phase III trial data for the treatment of SLE and the prevention of loss of bone mineral density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Kocis
- Anticoagulation Clinic, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.
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130
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Bélanger N, Grégoire L, Bédard PJ, Di Paolo T. DHEA improves symptomatic treatment of moderately and severely impaired MPTP monkeys. Neurobiol Aging 2006; 27:1684-93. [PMID: 16253392 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2004] [Revised: 08/26/2005] [Accepted: 09/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is abundant in men and women and decreases rapidly during aging. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder just behind Alzheimer. l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-Dopa) therapy remains the most effective treatment but many patients develop motor complications. This study investigated the acute effect of DHEA alone and with l-Dopa in 12 females monkeys lesioned with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to model PD. DHEA administration alone improved the mean parkinsonian score at 1, 5 and 15mg/kg in moderately and severely impaired MPTP monkeys and increased blood DHEA concentrations. DHEA with a low dose of l-Dopa increased the l-Dopa effect in moderately and severely impaired MPTP monkeys. DHEA lengthened duration of the effect of the low dose of l-Dopa by 15-45min. DHEA at 1, 5 and 15mg/kg combined with a high dose of l-Dopa did not increase dyskinesias. DHEA could act by reducing inhibitory GABAergic activity in the striatal output pathways. DHEA could also be metabolized into estradiol in the brain and increase acutely dopamine activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Bélanger
- Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology Research Center, Laval University Medical Center (CHUL), 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Que., Canada G1V 4G2
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131
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Abstract
The plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form (DHEAS) decline approximately 80% between the ages of 25 and 75 yr. Muscle mass and strength also decrease with aging. Published data on the effects of DHEA replacement on muscle mass and strength are conflicting. The goals of this study were to determine whether DHEA replacement increases muscle mass and strength and/or enhances the effects of heavy resistance exercise in elderly women and men. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of 10 mo of DHEA replacement therapy with the addition of weightlifting exercise training during the last 4 mo of the study (DHEA + exercise group, n = 29; placebo + exercise group, n = 27). DHEA alone for 6 mo did not significantly increase strength or thigh muscle volume. However, DHEA therapy potentiated the effect of 4 mo of weightlifting training on muscle strength, evaluated by means of one-repetition maximum measurement and Cybex dynamometry, and on thigh muscle volume, measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Serum insulin-like growth factor concentration increased in response to DHEA replacement. This study provides evidence that DHEA replacement has the beneficial effect of enhancing the increases in muscle mass and strength induced by heavy resistance exercise in elderly individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis T Villareal
- Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Genazzani AR, Pluchino N, Begliuomini S, Stomati M, Bernardi F, Pieri M, Casarosa E, Palumbo M, Genazzani AD, Luisi M. Long-term low-dose oral administration of dehydroepiandrosterone modulates adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone in early and late postmenopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol 2006; 22:627-35. [PMID: 17145649 DOI: 10.1080/09513590601024681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aging process is associated with a decline in the circulating Delta5-androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a long-term (12 months) oral DHEA administration (25 mg/day) on adrenal function, before and after 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. METHOD Postmenopausal women belonging to two age groups, 50-55 years (n = 10) and 60-65 years (n = 10), were studied. Adrenal function was assessed in basal conditions, after suppression with dexamethasone (DXM) and following a stimulation test with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (10 microg bolus). Serum levels of DHEA, DHEAS, androstenedione (Delta4-A), allopregnanolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and cortisol were measured and the effects of DHEA supplementation on specific adrenal enzymatic pathways were evaluated by calculating precursor/product ratios (17-OHP/cortisol, 17-OHP/Delta4-A, DHEA/Delta4-A and DHEA/DHEAS). RESULTS DHEA supplementation annulled the age-related differences in DHEA and DHEAS levels and induced a marked increase in all steroids, except for cortisol, after 3-6 months of treatment. Serum cortisol levels decreased from the 3rd month, both in younger and older subjects. DHEA supplementation did not affect DXM-induced suppression of adrenal steroidogenesis. During the treatment period all adrenal androgens and progestins showed a significant increase in their response to ACTH, while the cortisol response decreased significantly. The results suggest a significant DHEA-induced change in adrenal enzymatic activities, as also evidenced by the change in precursor/product ratios during therapy. CONCLUSION Chronic DHEA administration is capable of modifying circulating levels of androgens and progestins in both early and late postmenopausal women by modulating the age-related changes in adrenal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea R Genazzani
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Nair KS, Rizza RA, O'Brien P, Dhatariya K, Short KR, Nehra A, Vittone JL, Klee GG, Basu A, Basu R, Cobelli C, Toffolo G, Dalla Man C, Tindall DJ, Melton LJ, Smith GE, Khosla S, Jensen MD. DHEA in elderly women and DHEA or testosterone in elderly men. N Engl J Med 2006; 355:1647-59. [PMID: 17050889 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa054629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone are widely promoted as antiaging supplements, but the long-term benefits, as compared with potential harm, are unknown. METHODS We performed a 2-year, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study involving 87 elderly men with low levels of the sulfated form of DHEA and bioavailable testosterone and 57 elderly women with low levels of sulfated DHEA. Among the men, 29 received DHEA, 27 received testosterone, and 31 received placebo. Among the women, 27 received DHEA and 30 received placebo. Outcome measures included physical performance, body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), glucose tolerance, and quality of life. RESULTS As compared with the change from baseline to 24 months in the placebo group, subjects who received DHEA for 2 years had an increase in plasma levels of sulfated DHEA by a median of 3.4 microg per milliliter (9.2 micromol per liter) in men and by 3.8 microg per milliliter (10.3 micromol per liter) in women. Among men who received testosterone, the level of bioavailable testosterone increased by a median of 30.4 ng per deciliter (1.1 nmol per liter), as compared with the change in the placebo group. A separate analysis of men and women showed no significant effect of DHEA on body-composition measurements. Neither hormone altered the peak volume of oxygen consumed per minute, muscle strength, or insulin sensitivity. Men who received testosterone had a slight increase in fat-free mass, and men in both treatment groups had an increase in BMD at the femoral neck. Women who received DHEA had an increase in BMD at the ultradistal radius. Neither treatment improved the quality of life or had major adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Neither DHEA nor low-dose testosterone replacement in elderly people has physiologically relevant beneficial effects on body composition, physical performance, insulin sensitivity, or quality of life. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00254371 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).
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Wu LD, Yu HC, Xiong Y, Feng J. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on cartilage and synovium of knee joints with osteoarthritis in rabbits. Rheumatol Int 2006; 27:79-85. [PMID: 17033834 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-006-0238-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intra-articular injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on cartilage and synovium of knee joints with osteoarthritis (OA) in rabbits and the underlying mechanism. Forty rabbits underwent unilateral anterior cruciate ligament transaction and were divided into two groups. Rabbits were injected with 100 mumol/l DHEA dissolved in the dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) in the knee joints 5 weeks after transaction, once a week for 5 weeks. Rabbits injected with DMSO under the same condition were served as a control. All rabbits were killed 1 week after the last injection. The knee joints were evaluated by gross morphology, histology, and gene expression analysis. Gross morphologic inspection and histological evaluation showed that the DHEA group appeared less damage in cartilage and synovium as compared with the control. Gene expression analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in cartilage and synovium decreased significantly in the DHEA group and that of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) increased. No significant difference of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) mRNA expression was found in the cartilage between two groups while the mRNA expression of IL-1beta in the synovium was largely suppressed in the DHEA group. The study suggests that DHEA plays a protective role against cartilage degradation and synovium inflammation in rabbits with OA. This role may be achieved through the regulation of the MMP-3, TIMP-1, and IL-1beta gene expression in the cartilage and synovium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Dong Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The 2nd Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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135
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Muller M, van den Beld AW, van der Schouw YT, Grobbee DE, Lamberts SWJ. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone and atamestane supplementation on frailty in elderly men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006; 91:3988-91. [PMID: 16804050 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2005-2433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that the age-related decline of androgens in men plays a distinct role in the development of several aspects of frailty. Therefore, hormone replacement might improve the course of frailty by increasing lean body mass and muscle strength, decreasing fat mass, and improving the subjective quality of life. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess whether hormone replacement with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and/or atamestane might improve the course of frailty. DESIGN This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING The study was conducted in the general community. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 100 nonhospitalized, nondiseased, independently living men, aged 70 yr and over with low scores on strength tests. Seventeen participants did not complete the trial. INTERVENTION Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four intervention arms: atamestane (100 mg/d) and placebo, DHEA (50 mg/d) and placebo, a combination of atamestane (100 mg/d) and DHEA (50 mg/d), or two placebo tablets for 36 wk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Physical frailty was measured by means of a specific test battery, including isometric grip strength, leg extensor power, and physical performance. RESULTS The randomization was successful, and 83 (83%) men completed the intervention. There were no differences between the treatment arms and placebo group in any of the outcome measurements after intervention. CONCLUSIONS The results of this double-blind, randomized trial do not support the hypothesis that hormone replacement with DHEA and/or atamestane might improve the course of frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majon Muller
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Room Stratenum 6.131, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Gatta B, Tabarin A. [Adrenal insufficiency]. Rev Prat 2006; 56:1465-72; quiz 1498. [PMID: 17002074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Gatta
- Service d'endocrinologie-diabétologie, maladies métaboliques, CHU de Bordeaux, hôpital Haut-Lévêque, 33600 Pessac
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Mora PC, Cirri M, Mura P. Differential scanning calorimetry as a screening technique in compatibility studies of DHEA extended release formulations. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2006; 42:3-10. [PMID: 16574368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2006.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2005] [Revised: 02/15/2006] [Accepted: 02/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used as a screening technique for assessing the compatibility of DHEA as ternary complex with alpha-cyclodextrin and glycine (c-DHEA) with some excipients suitable for preparation of sustained-release matrix tablets by direct compression. The effect of sample mechanical treatment due to the compression process was also evaluated. In order to investigate the possible interactions between the components, the DSC curves of c-DHEA and each selected excipient were compared with those of their 1:1 w/w physical mixtures, before and after compression, in order to evaluate any possible solid state modification. FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffractometry were used as complementary techniques to adequately implement and assist in interpretation of the DSC results. On the basis of DSC results, c-DHEA was found to be compatible with xanthan gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium starch glycolate (Explotab), polyvinylacetate-polyvinylpirrolidone (Kollidon SR) and sodium chloride. Some drug-excipient interaction was observed with dextrate hydrate (Emdex), mannitol and Magnesium stearate. Finally, the behaviour of the complete formulation, in the presence of all the excipients selected by means of the compatibility study, was investigated, in order to verify the absence of reciprocal interactions among the components.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Corvi Mora
- Actimex s.r.l., Area Science Park, s.s.12, Km 163.5 Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
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138
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Solano ME, Elia E, Luchetti CG, Sander V, Di Girolamo G, Gonzalez C, Motta AB. Metformin prevents embryonic resorption induced by hyperandrogenisation with dehydroepiandrosterone in mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2006; 18:533-44. [PMID: 16836960 DOI: 10.1071/rd05099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2005] [Accepted: 03/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the mechanism by which metformin prevents dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced embryonic resorption in mice. Treatment with DHEA (6 mg/100 g bodyweight, 24 and 48 h post implantation) induced 88 +/- 1 % embryonic resorption and the diminution of both serum oestradiol (E) and progesterone (P) levels. However, when metformin (50 mg/kg bodyweight) was given together with DHEA, embryo resorption (43 +/- 3% v. 35 +/- 5% in controls) and both serum E and P levels were not significantly different from controls. Glucose and insulin levels were increased in the DHEA-treated mice but when metformin was administered together with DHEA these parameters were similar to control values. Treatment with DHEA increased ovarian oxidative stress and diminished uterine nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity; however, when metformin was administered together with DHEA, both ovarian oxidative stress and uterine NOS activity were not different from controls. Metformin treatment did not modify the percentage of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from both axillar and retroperitoneal lymph nodes but prevented the increase of serum tumour necrosis factor +/- produced in DHEA-treated mice. These results show that metformin acts in DHEA-induced embryonic resorption in mice by modulating endocrine parameters, ovarian oxidative stress and uterine NOS activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Solano
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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139
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Labrie F, Luu-The V, Martel C, Chernomoretz A, Calvo E, Morissette J, Labrie C. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an anabolic steroid like dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the most potent natural androgen, and tetrahydrogestrinone (THG). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2006; 100:52-8. [PMID: 16797178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2006.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2005] [Accepted: 03/24/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We have recently taken advantage of the unique power of DNA microarrays to compare the genomic expression profile of tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) with that of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the most potent natural androgen, thus clearly demonstrating that THG is an anabolic steroid. In 2004, the U.S. Controlled Substances Act has been modified to include androstenedione (4-dione) as an anabolic steroid. However, despite the common knowledge that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the precursor of testosterone, DHEA has been excluded from the list of anabolic steroids. We thus used the same DNA microarray technology to analyze the expression profile of practically all the 30,000 genes of the mouse genome modulated by DHEA and DHT in classical androgen-sensitive tissues. Daily subcutaneous injections of DHT (0.1mg) or DHEA (3mg) for 1 month in gonadectomized C57BL6/129 SV mice increased ventral prostate, dorsal prostate, seminal vesicle and preputial gland weight (p<0.01 for all tissues). As early as 24h after single injection of the two steroids, 878, 2681 and 14 probe sets were commonly stimulated or inhibited (p<0.01, change> or =30%), in the prostate (ventral+dorsal), seminal vesicles and preputial glands, respectively, compared to tissues from gonadectomized control animals. After 7 days of daily treatment with DHEA and DHT, 629, 919 and 562 probe sets were commonly modulated in the same tissues while after 27 days of treatment, 1195, 5127 and 2883 probe sets were modulated, respectively. In analogy with the data obtained with THG, the present microarray data provide an extremely precise and unquestionable genomic signature and proof of the androgenic/anabolic activity of DHEA. Such data add to the literature showing that DHEA is transformed into androgens in the human peripheral tissues as well as in laboratory animal species, including the monkey, thus exerting potent androgenic/anabolic activity. The present microarray approach to identify anabolic compounds is applicable to all potential androgenic/anabolic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernand Labrie
- Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology Laboratory, Laval University Hospital Research Center (CRCHUL) and Laval University, Québec City, Canada G1V 4G2.
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Poretsky L, Brillon DJ, Ferrando S, Chiu J, McElhiney M, Ferenczi A, Sison MCIP, Haller I, Rabkin J. Endocrine effects of oral dehydroepiandrosterone in men with HIV infection: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Metabolism 2006; 55:858-70. [PMID: 16784956 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2006.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2005] [Accepted: 02/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is commonly used by HIV-infected men, but its endocrine effects in this population are not well defined. We conducted an 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effects of escalating doses (100-400 mg/d) of DHEA on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes, and on a number of metabolic parameters in 69 HIV-positive men (31 in DHEA-treated group, 38 in placebo group). High-dose (250 microg) corticotropin and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation tests were carried out in all subjects. Fifty-four subjects (26 in the DHEA-treated group and 28 in the placebo group) also underwent optional corticotropin-releasing hormone test, and 67 subjects (31 in DHEA-treated group and 36 in placebo group) underwent optional low-dose (1 microg) corticotropin stimulation test. All tests were performed at baseline and at the end of week 8. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. We observed significant increases in circulating levels of DHEA, DHEA-sulfate, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, and estrone, and a decline in the serum concentration of sex hormone-binding globulin in the DHEA-treated group but not in the placebo group (P < .001). There were no differences between the groups in other endocrine or metabolic parameters or in the results of the stimulation tests. In conclusion, oral DHEA therapy in HIV-positive men significantly increases circulating levels of DHEA and DHEA-sulfate, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, and estrone and suppresses circulating concentration of sex hormone-binding globulin. Long-term studies are needed to assess the clinical significance of these hormonal changes in subjects with HIV infection receiving oral DHEA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Poretsky
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, The New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Omura Y. Beneficial effects and side effects of DHEA: true anti-aging and age-promoting effects, as well as anti-cancer and cancer-promoting effects of DHEA evaluated from the effects on the normal and cancer cell telomeres and other parameters. ACUPUNCTURE ELECTRO 2006; 30:219-61. [PMID: 16617690 DOI: 10.3727/036012905815901226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The author evaluated the effects of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) on the amount of telomeres of normal cells and cancer cells and found the following: Contrary to the literature, which often recommended 25-50 mg of DHEA daily for the average adult human being, the author found that, depending on the individual, the maximum increase of normal cell telomere was obtained by a single optimal dose of 1.25-12.5 mg. This was examined in 50 people, both males and females, between the ages of 20-80 years old. When one optimal dose was given to each individual, the average telomere amount in normal tissues, measured in Bi-Digital O-Ring Test units, often increased from anywhere between 25-300 ng to between 500-530 ng. Cancer cell telomere reduced from higher than 1100 ng to less than 1 yg (=10(-24) g) with equally significant normalization of abnormal cancer parameters (such as Integrin alpha5beta1, Oncogen C-fosAb2, Acetylcholine, etc.). Circulatory improvement and an increase in grasping force of up to 25% were also detected, along with the changing of a few white hairs to black hairs. The beneficial effects of one optimal dose of DHEA generally lasted between 1 to 4 months, though in some individuals it lasted for a much shorter period of time due to a number of negative factors such as excessive stress/work, excessive exposure to low temperatures and toxic substances, or use of common pain medicines. On the other hand, if a patient took an excessive dose of DHEA, the amount of normal cell telomere decreased, while there was an increase in cancer cell telomere. It was found that those who took an overdose of 25-50 mg daily for more than 3 months had a high incidence of cancer of the prostate gland, breast, colon, lung, and stomach. Also, when the average normal cell telomere levels were less than 110 ng, compared with a normal value of 120-130 ng, and when DHEA in different parts of the body was also extremely low (less than 1-2 ng), one could suspect the possible presence of a malignant tumor somewhere in the body. When normal cell telomere was less than 110 ng, most individuals felt very weary with marked tiredness in the eyes, and grasping force was often reduced.
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Abstract
Previous work has suggested that DHEA supplementation may have adverse cognitive effects in elderly women. This article analyzed 24-h measurements of DHEA, DHEAS, and cortisol to determine if cognitive decrease with treatment is mediated by DHEA's impact on endogenous cortisol. It was found that DHEA administration increased cortisol at several hours during the day. In the treatment group, cortisol was positively associated with cognition at study completion. An increase in negative associations between DHEA(S) levels and cognition was found at completion. Increased cortisol does not explain the cognitive deficits associated with DHEA, suggesting a direct negative effect of exogenous DHEA on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Parsons
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7025, USA. tparsons@neurology
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Abstract
Ergogenic drugs are substances that are used to enhance athletic performance. These drugs include illicit substances as well as compounds that are marketed as nutritional supplements. Many such drugs have been used widely by professional and elite athletes for several decades. However, in recent years, research indicates that younger athletes are increasingly experimenting with these drugs to improve both appearance and athletic abilities. Ergogenic drugs that are commonly used by youths today include anabolic-androgenic steroids, steroid precursors (androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone), growth hormone, creatine, and ephedra alkaloids. Reviewing the literature to date, it is clear that children are exposed to these substances at younger ages than in years past, with use starting as early as middle school. Anabolic steroids and creatine do offer potential gains in body mass and strength but risk adverse effects to multiple organ systems. Steroid precursors, growth hormone, and ephedra alkaloids have not been proven to enhance any athletic measures, whereas they do impart many risks to their users. To combat this drug abuse, there have been recent changes in the legal status of several substances, changes in the rules of youth athletics including drug testing of high school students, and educational initiatives designed for the young athlete. This article summarizes the current literature regarding these ergogenic substances and details their use, effects, risks, and legal standing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Calfee
- Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Martina V, Benso A, Gigliardi VR, Masha A, Origlia C, Granata R, Ghigo E. Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjects. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2006; 64:260-4. [PMID: 16487434 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2006.02454.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several clinical and population-based studies suggest that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEA-S) play a protective role against atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in human. However, the mechanisms underlying this action are still unknown. It has recently been suggested that DHEA-S could delay atheroma formation through an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-four aged male subjects [age (mean +/- SEM): 65.4 +/- 0.7 year; range: 58.2-67.6 years] underwent a blinded placebo controlled study receiving DHEA (50 mg p.o. daily at bedtime) or placebo for 2 months. Platelet cyclic guanosine-monophosphate (cGMP) concentration (as marker of NO production) and serum levels of DHEA-S, DHEA, IGF-I, insulin, glucose, oestradiol (E(2)), testosterone, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 antigen (PAI-1 Ag), homocysteine and lipid profile were evaluated before and after the 2-month treatment with DHEA or placebo. RESULTS At the baseline, all variables in the two groups were overlapping. All parameters were unchanged after treatment with placebo. Conversely, treatment with DHEA (a) increased (P < 0.001 vs. baseline) platelet cGMP (111.9 +/- 7.1 vs. 50.1 +/- 4.1 fmol/10(6) plts), DHEA-S (13.6 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.0 +/- 0.3 micromol/l), DHEA (23.6 +/- 1.7 vs. 15.3 +/- 1.4 nmol/l), testosterone (23.6 +/- 1.0 vs. 17.7 +/- 1.0 nmol/l) and E(2) (72.0 +/- 5.0 vs. 60.0 +/- 4.0 pmol/l); and (b) decreased (P < 0.05 vs. baseline) PAI-1 Ag (27.4 +/- 3.8 vs. 21.5 +/- 2.5 ng/ml) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (3.4 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.0 +/- 0.2 mmol/l). IGF-I, insulin, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, HDL2 cholesterol, HDL3 cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and homocysteine levels were not modified by DHEA treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that short-term treatment with DHEA increased platelet cGMP production, a marker of NO production, in healthy elderly subjects. This effect is coupled with a decrease in PAI-1 and LDL cholesterol levels as well as an increase in testosterone and E(2) levels. These findings, therefore, suggest that chronic DHEA supplementation would exert antiatherogenic effects, particularly in elderly subjects who display low circulating levels of this hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentino Martina
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Italy.
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Juhász-Vedres G, Rózsa E, Rákos G, Dobszay MB, Kis Z, Wölfling J, Toldi J, Párducz A, Farkas T. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is neuroprotective when administered either before or after injury in a focal cortical cold lesion model. Endocrinology 2006; 147:683-6. [PMID: 16293666 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-0693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate (DHEAS) are sex hormone precursors that exert marked neurotrophic and/or neuroprotective activity in the central nervous system. The present study evaluated the effects of DHEAS and 17beta-estradiol (E2) in a focal cortical cold lesion model, in which DHEAS (50 mg/kg, sc) and E2 (35 mg/kg, sc) were administered either as pretreatment (two subsequent injections 1 d and 1 h before lesion induction) or posttreatment (immediately after lesion induction). The focal cortical cold lesion was induced in the primary motor cortex by means of a cooled copper cylinder placed directly onto the cortical surface. One hour later, the animals were killed, the brains cut into 0.4-mm-thick slices, and the sections stained with 1% triphenyltetrazolium chloride. The volume of the hemispheric lesion was calculated for each animal. The results demonstrated that the lesion area was significantly attenuated in both the DHEAS- and E2- pre- and posttreated groups and that in the presence of letrozole, a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, no neuroprotection was observed, suggesting that the beneficial effect of DHEAS on the cold injury might depend on the conversion of DHEAS to E2 within the brain. It is concluded that even a single posttraumatic administration of DHEAS may be of substantial therapeutic benefit in the treatment of focal brain injury with vasogenic edema.
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Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone may influence thyroid function. Its metabolite, 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone, a precursor of immunomodulatory 7-hydroxylated metabolites and thermogenic agent, belongs to candidates of steroid replacement therapy. The question was addressed whether its application does influence laboratory parameters of thyroid function. 7-Oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in the form of emulgel, 25 mg/day, was applied transdermally to 21 healthy men for 8 consecutive days. Morning blood was collected before the treatment (Day 0, Stage 1), during treatment (Day 5, Stage 2), on the first day after the last administration (Day 9, Stage 3), one week (Day 16, Stage 4), and 9 weeks (Day 72, Stage 5) after treatment termination. The levels of thyrotropin, free thyroxine and triiodothyronine, dehydroepiandrosterone, its sulfate and its 7-hydroxyepimers were measured. The changes were evaluated by analysis of variance and correlation analysis. During treatment a significant rise of 7beta-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone was observed, which persisted 1 week after treatment termination. No changes were observed in dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate. Though a slight but significant rise of TSH and of both thyroid hormones occurred during treatment, its levels soon returned to the basal values. It was concluded that treatment of 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone affects the thyroid parameters only temporarily and that it provides a considerable persistent amount of 7beta-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hampl
- Institute of Endocrinology, Národní 8, 116 94 Prague 1, Czech Republic.
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147
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Abstract
Deficiency of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is associated with lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer disease, and some cancers, but we are not yet ready to conclude that prescribing supplemental DHEA is helpful in these or any other conditions. DHEA shows some promise in observational clinical studies and laboratory experiments, but we still need large-scale human studies to answer key questions. For now, we do not have enough evidence to recommend routine treatment with DHEA. As with other supplements, quality control is always a concern, and different brands may contain different amounts of active ingredient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Olech
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Oklahoma City, 73104, USA
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148
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Medina MC, Souza LC, Caperuto LC, Anhê GF, Amanso AM, Teixeira VPA, Bordin S, Carpinelli AR, Britto LRG, Barbieri RL, Borella MI, Carvalho CRO. Dehydroepiandrosterone increases β-cell mass and improves the glucose-induced insulin secretion by pancreatic islets from aged rats. FEBS Lett 2005; 580:285-90. [PMID: 16376341 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2005] [Revised: 11/27/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on pancreatic islet function of aged rats, an animal model with impaired glucose-induced insulin secretion, was investigated. The following parameters were examined: morphological analysis of endocrine pancreata by immunohistochemistry; protein levels of insulin receptor, IRS-1, IRS-2, PI 3-kinase, Akt-1, and Akt-2; and static insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets. Pancreatic islets from DHEA-treated rats showed an increased beta-cell mass accompanied by increased Akt-1 protein level but reduced IR, IRS-1, and IRS-2 protein levels and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The present results suggest that DHEA may be a promising drug to prevent diabetes during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayrin C Medina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, ICB, USP, São Paulo, SP, CEP05389-970, Brazil
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149
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Uziebło-Zyczkowska B, Sidło E, Stelmaszuk T. [Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)--slows down the aging process?]. Pol Merkur Lekarski 2005; 19:831-4. [PMID: 16521435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) are secondary adrenal androgens, mainly produced in the reticular layer as well as in the gonads and in the central nervous system. These prohormones influence many functions in human organism, but their most important effect seems to slow down the ageing process. It is well known that the concentrations of both substances are decreasing substantially with age, beginning at 50. According to that fact, they could become the markers of the aging process in human organism. Moreover low concentrations of DHEA and DHEAS are related to the evolution of many usual diseases contracted by older people, above all the diseases of cardiological, neurological, oncological, immunological system and osteoporosis. The influence of the hormones on the aspects above mentioned is present in this article and particularly the influence of DHEAS in the process of evolution the coronary artery disease.
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150
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Coles AJ, Thompson S, Cox AL, Curran S, Gurnell EM, Chatterjee VK. Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in patients with Addison's disease has a bimodal effect on regulatory (CD4+CD25hi and CD4+FoxP3+) T cells. Eur J Immunol 2005; 35:3694-703. [PMID: 16252254 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200526128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oral replacement of the near-total deficiency of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in patients with Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) enhances mood and well-being and reduces fatigue. We studied the immunological effects of 12 wk of oral DHEA treatment in ten patients with Addison's disease receiving their normal mineralo- and glucocorticoid hormone replacement. We found that baseline circulating regulatory T cells were reduced in Addison's disease patients compared to controls, a hitherto unrecognised defect in this disorder. Oral DHEA treatment had a bimodal effect on naturally occurring regulatory (CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+) T cells and lymphocyte FoxP3 expression. Oral DHEA replacement restored normal levels of regulatory T cells and led to increased FoxP3 expression. These effects were probably responsible for a suppression of constitutive cytokine expression following DHEA withdrawal. In contrast, oral DHEA treatment led to reduced FoxP3 expression induced by TCR engagement and so augmented the cytokine response, but without a bias towards the Th1 or Th2 phenotype. NK and NKT cell numbers fell during DHEA treatment, and homeostatic lymphocyte proliferation was increased. We conclude that DHEA replacement in Addison's disease has significant immunomodulatory properties and propose that it has a greater impact on the human immune system than would be expected from its classification as a dietary supplement.
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MESH Headings
- Addison Disease/drug therapy
- Addison Disease/immunology
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/therapeutic use
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- CD4 Lymphocyte Count
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytokines/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Dehydroepiandrosterone/administration & dosage
- Dehydroepiandrosterone/therapeutic use
- Female
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/biosynthesis
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Humans
- Immunophenotyping
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Male
- Receptors, Interleukin-2/biosynthesis
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Alasdair J Coles
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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