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The International Journal of Eating... Jun 2022This study was designed to determine the status of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to assess the efficacy of DHEA supplementation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to determine the status of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to assess the efficacy of DHEA supplementation as a treatment for bone health in women with AN.
METHOD
Studies were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases from inception to February 14, 2022. Observational studies that compared serum DHEA levels between women with AN and healthy controls were included for meta-analysis, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of DHEA supplementation on bone mass were reviewed.
RESULTS
Meta-analysis of 15 cross-sectional studies revealed that patients with AN had significantly elevated serum DHEA levels (mean difference (MD) = 311.63 ng/dl; 95% confidence interval (CI), 78.01-545.25) and reduced DHEAS levels (MD = -24.90 μg/dl; 95% CI, -41.72 to -8.07) compared with healthy controls. A systematic review of seven RCTs found that DHEA monotherapy does not improve bone mineral density (BMD) compared with placebo after adjusting for weight gain. While the combination of DHEA and conjugated oral contraceptives has led to increased bone strength and decreased bone loss, the beneficial effect appears to be limited to older adolescents and adults with closed physes. Potential detrimental effects on BMD were identified in younger adolescents with open physes in one study.
DISCUSSION
Due to the lack of apparent benefit of DHEA in women with AN and its potential detrimental effect on BMD in young patients with AN, current evidence does not support the use of DHEA.
PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE
This study demonstrates that women with anorexia nervosa have abnormal levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which have been suggested by previous studies to play a role in the development of low bone density in this condition. However, current evidence does not support the use of DHEA as a treatment to preserve bone health in patients with anorexia nervosa given the lack of clear benefit following its use and also because of a potential detrimental effect on bone mineral density in young patients with anorexia nervosa.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anorexia Nervosa; Bone Density; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans
PubMed: 35460091
DOI: 10.1002/eat.23714 -
Steroids Jan 2020Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroidal hormone secreted by Zonareticularis of the adrenal cortex with a characteristic age related pattern of secretion. These... (Review)
Review
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroidal hormone secreted by Zonareticularis of the adrenal cortex with a characteristic age related pattern of secretion. These hormones are inactive precursors that are transformed into active sex steroids in peripheral target tissues. These hormones are used for the energy, vitality and the natural support of most bodily functions that involve the endocrine system. DHEA is a 19 carbon steroid hormone, is lipophilic, and can be converted to DHEAs by activity of the enzyme sulphotransferasein the liver and adrenal glands. These are naturally synthesized in our body through cholesterol- pregnenolone pathway and can also be synthesized from various other sources like diosgenin, geniestein, wild yam, soy and cholesterol in laboratory. It serves as an indirect precursor to estrogen and testosterone and other steroid hormones. This hormone progressively declines at the rate of 2% per year. DHEA evidence a large variety of pharmacological activities like antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-allergic, obesity treatment and cardiovascular property. It is beneficial in autoimmune disorders like lupus erythematosus, immune modulation, muscle building and hormonal problems. DHEA is known as an anti-ageing hormone, in osteoporosis and in dementia. It can also be used as a supplement as directed by the physician in various condition.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Allergic Agents; Anti-Obesity Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Cardiovascular Agents; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents
PubMed: 31586606
DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108507 -
Expert Review of Endocrinology &... Nov 2022Extensive research underlines the critical functions of androgens in females. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of their action are poorly understood. Here, we review... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Extensive research underlines the critical functions of androgens in females. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of their action are poorly understood. Here, we review the existing literature regarding the physiological role of androgens in women throughout life.
AREAS COVERED
Several studies show that androgen receptors (ARs) are broadly expressed in numerous female tissues. They are essential for many physiological processes, including reproductive, sexual, cardiovascular, bone, muscle, and brain health. They are also involved in adipose tissue and liver function. Androgen levels change with the menstrual cycle and decrease in the first decades of life, independently of menopause.
EXPERT OPINION
To date, studies are limited by including small numbers of women, the difficulty of dosing androgens, and their cyclical variations. In particular, whether androgens play any significant role in regulating the establishment of pregnancy is poorly understood. The neural functions of ARs have also been investigated less thoroughly, although it is expressed at high levels in brain structures. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the decline of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) with age is unclear. Other factors, including estrogen's effect on adrenal androgen production, reciprocal regulation of ARs, and non-classical effects of androgens, remain to be determined.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Androgens; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Menopause; Menstrual Cycle
PubMed: 36352537
DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2144834 -
Methods in Enzymology 2023Cytochrome P450 aromatase (AROM) and steroid (estrone (E1)/dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) sulfatase (STS) are the two key enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of... (Review)
Review
Cytochrome P450 aromatase (AROM) and steroid (estrone (E1)/dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) sulfatase (STS) are the two key enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of estrogens in human, and maintenance of the critical balance between androgens and estrogens. Human AROM, an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum, is a member of the Fe-heme containing cytochrome P450 superfamily having a cysteine thiolate as the fifth Fe-coordinating ligand. It is the only enzyme known to catalyze the conversion of androgens with non-aromatic A-rings to estrogens characterized by the aromatic A-ring. Human STS, also an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum, is a Ca-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sulfate esters of E1 and DHEA to yield the respective unconjugated steroids, the precursors of the most potent forms of estrogens and androgens, namely, 17β-estradiol (E2), 16α,17β-estriol (E3), testosterone (TST) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Expression of these steroidogenic enzymes locally within various organs and tissues of the endocrine, reproductive, and central nervous systems is the key for maintaining high levels of the reproductive steroids. Thus, the enzymes have been drug targets for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with steroid hormone excesses, especially in breast and prostate malignancies and endometriosis. Both AROM and STS have been the subjects of vigorous research for the past six decades. In this article, we review the procedures of their extraction and purification from human term placenta are described in detail, along with the activity assays.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Androgens; Aromatase; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Estrogens; Estrone; Membrane Proteins; Placenta; Steryl-Sulfatase
PubMed: 37802583
DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.04.025 -
The Medical Letter on Drugs and... Aug 2020
Review
Topics: Animals; Cimicifuga; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Estrogens; Female; Flax; Hot Flashes; Humans; Menopause; Progestins; Tamoxifen
PubMed: 32960867
DOI: No ID Found -
FP Essentials Aug 2023Given their association with aging, growth hormone (GH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and melatonin (-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) have been evaluated as potential...
Given their association with aging, growth hormone (GH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and melatonin (-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) have been evaluated as potential antiaging treatments. It has been hypothesized that declining endocrine function, specifically the decreases in hormone production and secretion seen with aging, plays a role in development of frailty. This physiologic decrease in hormone levels differs from a pathologic decrease due to a condition or disease. However, the signs and symptoms can be similar. Hormone replacement therapy is a well-established treatment for many conditions, but its role in the healthy aging process remains unclear. Off-label use of these hormones has shown some short-term benefits, such as improved body composition, mood, neurocognition, and sexual function and decreased oxidative stress. However, there are no recommendations for routine measurement of these hormone levels or for hormone replacement therapy because of a lack of high-quality evidence. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GH, DHEA, and melatonin if they are to be used as antiaging therapies.
Topics: Humans; Melatonin; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Aging; Dietary Supplements; Dehydroepiandrosterone
PubMed: 37603882
DOI: No ID Found -
Steroids Oct 2019Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of degenerative arthropathy, and the primary symptom is chronic joint pain. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exerts a... (Review)
Review
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of degenerative arthropathy, and the primary symptom is chronic joint pain. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exerts a chondroprotective effect against OA and has been reported to have potent structure-modifying effects on osteoarthritic cartilage, thereby attenuating disease progression. However, the ability of DHEA to modulate OA-related pain has not yet been verified. Recent evidence suggests that there may be a link between the pharmacological effects of DHEA and pain generation. For example, DHEA synthesized in the adrenal gland interferes directly with nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors, a major biochemical contributor to peripheral hypersensitivity. Similarly, endogenous DHEA produced in the spinal cord exerts a regulatory effect on nociception in neuropathic rats. In this short review, we discuss recent studies concerning crucial signalling cascades and molecular mechanisms involved in pain generation as well as the potential link between DHEA activity and nociception. Particular attention is given to the putative molecular mechanisms underlying the favourable efficacy of DHEA against pain generation. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of DHEA against osteoarthritic pain may pave the way for the discovery and development of novel anti-OA drugs, as effective drugs for OA treatment are not currently available.
Topics: Animals; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Humans; Osteoarthritis; Pain
PubMed: 31229511
DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108433 -
Maturitas Feb 2023Normal aging is linked to various endocrine gland changes, including changes in the adrenal glands. Aging is linked to alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal... (Review)
Review
Normal aging is linked to various endocrine gland changes, including changes in the adrenal glands. Aging is linked to alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, including an increase in cortisol levels, a disruption of the negative cortisol feedback, and attenuation of cortisol's diurnal pattern. In addition, secretion of aldosterone and adrenal androgens [dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS)] from the adrenal cortex decreases with aging. In this review, we describe normal adrenal function, the adrenal response to stress and immunomodulation in aging individuals as well as the effects of adrenal aging on body composition, metabolic profile, bone health and cognition.
Topics: Humans; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Hydrocortisone; Immunosenescence; Aging; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
PubMed: 36370489
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.10.006 -
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia Sep 2022Cholesterol oxidase is a highly demanded enzyme used in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, chemistry, and biotechnology. It catalyzes oxidation of 3β-hydroxy-5-ene- to...
Cholesterol oxidase is a highly demanded enzyme used in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, chemistry, and biotechnology. It catalyzes oxidation of 3β-hydroxy-5-ene- to 3-keto-4-ene- steroids with the formation of hydrogen peroxide. Here, we expressed 6xHis-tagged mature form of the extracellular cholesterol oxidase (ChO) from the actinobacterium Nocardioides simplex VKM Ac-2033D (55.6 kDa) in Escherichia coli cells. The recombinant enzyme (ChO) was purified using affinity chromatography. ChO proved to be functional towards cholesterol, cholestanol, phytosterol, pregnenolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Its activity depended on the structure and length of the aliphatic side chain at C17 atom of the steroid nucleus and was lower with pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone. The enzyme was active in a pH range of 5.25÷6.5 with the pH optimum at 6.0. Kinetic assays and storage stability tests demonstrated that the characteristics of ChO were generally comparable with or superior to those of commercial ChO from Streptomyces hygroscopicus (ChO). The results contribute to the knowledge on microbial ChOs and evidence that ChO from N. simplex VKM Ac-2033D is a promising agent for further applications.
Topics: Actinobacteria; Cholestanols; Cholesterol Oxidase; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Hydrogen Peroxide; Phytosterols; Pregnenolone; Steroids
PubMed: 36180991
DOI: 10.1134/S0006297922090048 -
Endocrine Regulations Sep 2021The pathophysiology of COVID comprises an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has a crucial role in various inflammatory... (Review)
Review
The pathophysiology of COVID comprises an exaggerated pro-inflammatory response. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has a crucial role in various inflammatory conditions and modulated immunological response. Limited evidence is available regarding the incidence and the effect of HPA dysfunction in COVID-19. Although the cortisol levels have only been estimated in a few studies, the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) release from the adrenal gland has not been explored yet. In this mini review, the authors discuss the role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEAS in the acute stress response and immunological modulation. Various effects of DHEAS have been demonstrated in different diseases. The specific inhibitory effect of DHEA on interleukin 6 (IL-6) could be of paramount importance in COVID-19. Further, DHEA supplementation has already been proposed in inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis. DHEAS levels in COVID-19 may help to understand the HPA axis dysfunction as well as the possibility of repurposing DHEA as a drug for mitigating the pro-inflammatory COVID-19.
Topics: COVID-19; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Immunologic Factors; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34523302
DOI: 10.2478/enr-2021-0019