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| Research article summary (published 29 Sep 2003): |
Dehydroepiandrosterone: is there a role for replacement?
Full Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated ester are found in high concentrations in the plasma; however, their role in normal human physiology, other than as precursors for sex hormones, remains incompletely defined. Studies of rodent models have shown that these hormones have beneficial effects on a wide variety of conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, immune function, atherosclerosis, and many of the disorders associated with normal aging. However, rodents are not the best models to study the actions of these hormones because they have very little endogenous DHEA; thus, the doses given to these animals are usually suprapharmacological. Human studies have been performed to determine the potential beneficial effects of DHEA replacement in persons with low DHEA levels. Results have been conflicting. Human studies suggest a potential role for DHEA replacement in persons who have undergone adrenalectomy and possibly in the aging population. However, long-term studies assessing the benefits vs adverse effects must be done before DHEA replacement can be recommended.
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Author information
Author/s: Dhatariya, Ketan K (KK); Nair, K Sreekumaran (KS);
Affiliation: Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Review
Journal: Mayo Clinic proceedings. Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clin Proc), published in United States. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2003-Oct; vol 78 (issue 10) : pp 1257-73
Dates: Created 2003/10/08; Completed 2003/10/23; Revised 2007/11/15;
PMID: 14531485, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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