Association among Serum Cortisol, Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate Levels and Psychiatric Symptoms in Men with Chronic Schizophrenia / 医学研究杂志

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine possible associations of serum levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) with psychiatric symptoms in men with chronic schizophrenia.Methods This study involved 120 men with schizophrenia and 110 age-matched healthy controls,and the information of patients were collected on demographic characteristics,age at disease onset,disease duration,positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores,and history of atypical antipsychotic treatment.Results Serum levels of cortisol and DHEA-S were calculated,as well as the ratios of the two levels.Possible correlations were explored between these levels and psychiatric symptoms before and after antipsychotic treatment.Serum levels of cortisol and DHEA-S levels as well as the ratios of cortisol to DHEA-S levels were more higher in patients than in controls (P ＜ 0.01).Among patients,serum levels of cortisol and DHEA-S were significantly lower after treatment than before (P ＜ 0.01),although the ratios of cortisol to DHEA-S levels remained similar.Serum levels of cortisol,DHEA-S and the ratios of the two levels were positively correlated with the negative symptoms score on the PANSS.Conclusion The pathophysiology of schizophrenia may involve in the spread levels of cortisol and DHEA-S.These levels may serve as biomarkers for diagnosing schizophrenia and monitoring treatment efficacy.

Therapeutic effect of tripterysium glycosides combined with isotretinoin in cysticacne and its effect on related indicators / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of tripterysium glycosides combined with isotretinoin in cysticacne and its effect on serum inflammatory factors, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).Methods 118 cases of cysticacne patients were divided into observation group (n=59) and control group (n=59) according to the random number table method.Patients in the control group were treated with isotretinoin capsule, while the observation group were treated with tripterysium glycosides tablets on the basis of the control group.The course of treatment was 8 weeks in two groups.Results The total efficiency of the observation group (89.83%) was higher than the control group (71.19%) (P<0.05); the number of cyst after treatment in the observation group were less than the control group (P<0.05);the serum IL-2 and IL-4 levels in the observation group after treatment reduced, and lower than the control group (P<0.05);the serum IGF-1 and DHEA levels in the observation group after treatment reduced, and lower than the control group (P <0.05); the recurrence rate of the observation group (11.86%) was lower than the control group (30.51%) (P<0.05);the adverse reactions in two groups had no statistically significant.Conclusion Tripterysium glycosides combined with isotretinoin capsule has obvious curative effect in the treatment of cysticacne patients, and can reduce the serum IL-2, IL-4 levels and IGF-1 and DHEA levels, with lower recurrence rate, fewer adverse reactions.

DHEA and frontal fibrosing alopecia: molecular and physiopathological mechanisms

Abstract The transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1) promotes fibrosis, differentiating epithelial cells and quiescent fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and increasing expression of extracellular matrix. Recent investigations have shown that PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor*) is a negative regulator of fibrotic events induced by TGFβ1. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an immunomodulatory hormone essential for PPAR functions, and is reduced in some processes characterized by fibrosis. Although scarring alopecia characteristically develops in the female biological period in which occurs decreased production of DHEA, there are no data in the literature relating its reduction to fibrogenic process of this condition. This article aims to review the fibrogenic activity of TGFβ1, its control by PPAR and its relation with DHEA in the frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Some hormones changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive-age women,affecting an estimated 5-8% of all women in this age group. Clinically, hyperandrogenism, chronicanovulation, central obesity and polycystic ovary can all occur in women with PCOS and may causeof infertility. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is an androgenic hormone which produced from adrenalcortex and recently, there is no any data determined DHEA-S in patients with PCOS.GoalOur study was designed to determine serum DHEA-S and other hormones in women with PCOS.Materials and MethodWe have used a cross-sectional study design and the study included reproductive-age 18 women withPCOS. ELISA test to determine serum DHEA-S and other sexual hormones was analyzed for all of thesewomen.ResultWhen we analyzed ELISA test to determine serum DHEA-S and other sexual hormones, DHEA-S level8.0±2.1 μg/ml, LH level 9,45±4,3 mlU/ml, FSH level 5,04±1,1 mlU/ml, prolactin level 19,78±12,2 ng/ml, E2 hormone level 16,8±8,9pg/ml, testosterone level 0,25±0,1 ng/ml were in women with PCOS,respectively. And LH/FSH ratio was 2:1 in these women. (p=0.001).ConclusionBy the result, serum DHEA-S, LH,

Study of Estradiol, Testosterone and DHEA-S Status in Women After Surgical Menopause.

Aims and Objectives : The study was done to assess the hormones namely Estradiol, Testosterone, and Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAs) one day before operation and on ninth post-operative day following surgical menopause. Materials and Methods : This is a cross sectional observational study. The study was done amongst the thirty four women aged between 40-48 years with functioning uterus and at least one ovary, not using any exogenous hormone preparations affecting ovarian function for last three months and having at least one menstrual period in three previous months were included in this study. They had under gone hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooophorectomy due to non-ovarian pathology. Fasting venous blood samples were taken one day before operation and on ninth post-operative day of surgical menopause Serum concentration of estradiol, testosterone, and DHEAS were determined. Results : The circulating estradiol level decreased significantly (p = 0.043) from 161 pg/ml preoperatively to 108 pg/ml. on ninth post-operative day after surgical menopause. In spite of reduction in mean testosterone level from 0.11 ng/ml. to 0.09 ng/ml. following surgical menopause, which is statistically insignificant (p = 0.247).There was no significant difference between the serum DHEA-S level before and after surgical menopause. A significant positive correlation was observed between pre-operative circulatory levels of DHEA-S with that of estradiol while there was absence of any significant co-relations corelations between any of the other pairs of values. Conclusion : The circulating estradiol level decreased significantly on ninth day after surgical menopause and significant positive correlation between pre-operative circulatory levels of DHEA-S with that of estradiol, but there was no significant co-relation between post-operative circulating estradiol with that of DHEA-S. Testosterone did not show any significant relation with estradiol neither in pre-operative period nor in post-operative condition.

SOME RESULTS FROM SERUM DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE HORMONE DETECTION IN REPRODUCTIVE-AGED WOMEN WITH PCOS AND HEALTHY / Шинэ санаа Шинэ нээлт

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive-age women, affecting an estimated 5-8% of all women in this age group. Clinically, hyperandrogenism, chronic amenorrhea, central obesity and polycystic ovary can all occur in women with PCOS and may cause of infertility. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is an androgenic hormone produced inadrenal cortex and recently, there is no any data determined DHEA-S in patients with PCOS.Our study was designed to evaluate obesity, central obesity, hirsute grade and infertility and to determine serum DHEA-S hormone in women with PCOS and healthy non-PCOS women.We have used a cross-sectional study design and the study included reproductive-age 36 women, of whom 18 were diagnosed with PCOS and 18 were non-PCOS. Anthropometric components were measured and ELISA test to determine serum DHEA-S hormone was analyzed for all of these women. When we analyzed ELISA test to determine serum DHEA-S hormone, DHEA-S level was2.9±2.0 µg/ ml in non-PCOS reproductive-age women and 8.0±2.1 µg/ml in women with PCOS, respectively (р=0.01). Among the women diagnosed with PCOS had higher incidence of central obesity and grade II hirsute and infertility than healthy women (p=0.001). By the result, higher level of serum DHEA-S in women diagnosed with PCOS may cause of sign of hyperandrogenism such as central obesity, infertility and hirsute.

Effects of DHEA Combined with Meloxicam Tablets on Therapeutic Efficacy of Osteoarthritis and Biochemi-cal Indicator / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA)combined with Meloxicam tablets on thera-peutic efficacy of osteoarthritis and biochemical indicator. METHODS:104 patients with osteoarthritis were randomly divided into ex-perimental group and control group with 52 cases in each group. Control group only received Meloxicam tablets,7.5 mg/time,bid;ex-perimental group was additionally given DHEA,25 mg/time,qd,on the basis of control group. The treatment course of 2 groups was four weeks. The clinical efficacy,VAS score before and after treatment,joint function score,levels of IL-1β and TNF-α,cartilage thickness,synovial thickness and score of liquid aggregation of joint cavity were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS:The total ef-fective rate of experimental group(86.54%)was significantly higher than that of control group(69.23%),with statistical significance (P0.05). Compared with before treatment, the thickness of the synovial membrane and the score of liquid aggregation of joint cavity significantly decreased after treatment,with statistical significance(P<0.05);the thickness of synovial membrane and the score of liquid aggregation of joint cavity in experimen-tal group were significantly lower than in control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:DHEA combined with Meloxicam tablets is significant in the treatment of osteoarthritis,can significantly relief the pain and decrease the levels of serum IL-1βand TNF-α.

The Effects of High Intensity Progressive Resistance Training on Psychological Stress and Biochemicals Parameters / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Stress is a common problem among university students and studies showed that involvement in exercise could help in reducing stress. However, information regarding the effect of high intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) using a resistant tube on stress among inactive and moderate active young male university students is limited. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of high intensity PRT using a resistant tube on psychological stress level, cortisol, DHEA and physical fitness in this population. A total of 30 male university students were participated in this quasi-experiment study. Intervention group (n = 14, age: 21.50 ± 1.37 yr) was participaned to carry out high intensity PRT by using resistant tube 3 times per week for 10 weeks; control group (n = 16, age: 21.29 ± 1.86 yr) was asked to continue their current lifestyle as usual. Before and after 10 weeks of intervention, psychological stress was measured by using PSS and SLSI questionnaires; cortisol and DHEA level were measured by using ELISA method. Timed up-and-go (TUG) used to examine dynamic balance and handgrip strength test used to measure muscle strength. Findings showed that the increased of DHEA level after 10 weeks of intervention was significantly difference between control and intervention groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant group difference in changes over time in anthropometric and body composition measurements, stress scores, cortisol level and physical fitness. High intensity PRT using resistant tube may be beneficial in increasing DHEA level among young male adults, which can act as a stress biochemical indicator.

Tensión arterial y masa corporal en mujeres infértiles con síndrome de ovario poliquístico y su relación con el perfil hormonal / Blood pressure and body mass in infertile women polycystic ovary syndrome and its relation to the profile hormone

Objetivo: Evaluar perfil hormonal, índice de masa corporal y tensión arterial en 40 mujeres infértiles con ovario poliquístico. Métodos: En la consulta del Centro de Atención Integral de la Universidad de Los Andes se valoró talla, peso y tensión arterial. Durante la fase folicular del ciclo menstrual en ellas se midió en sangre las hormonas sexuales e insulina (basal y 2 horas poscarga glucosada) por electroquimioluminiscencia. Resultados: El índice de masa corporal se correlacionó directamente con el valor de tensión arterial sistólica, la relación LH/FSH y la testosterona sérica; e inversamente con las hormonas FSH y PRL. Los datos clínicos y de laboratorio se observaron dentro de los límites de referencia; sin embargo, la testosterona guardó relación directa con LH/FSH, índice de masa corporal y tensión arterial sistólica. Al compararse dos grupos de paciente con base al valor de la mediana poblacional, los grupos masa corporal > 24 kg/m2 y tensión arterial sistólica >120 mmHg mostraron niveles de DHEA-S e insulina (basal y 2 h) más elevados que en mujeres con índice de masa corporal y tensión arterial sistólica más bajos. Conclusiones: Existe correlación entre niveles séricos de andrógenos con sobrepeso e hipertensión arterial por mecanismos etiológicos interrelacionados. Síndrome de ovario poliquístico es de origen multicausal eventualmente con hiperandrogenemia. La falla metabólica debe controlarse en estas pacientes, lo que permitiría bajar el efecto de los andrógenos y favorecer el estado de fertilidad, pero sobre evita a largo plazo complicaciones como obesidad, diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e hipertensión arterial.

Objective: To evaluate hormonal profile, body mass index and blood pressure in 40 infertile women with polycystic ovary. Methods: In the out patien clinic of the Centro de Atencion Integral de la Universidad de Los Andes, height, weight and blood pressure were assessed. During follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in blood of them sex hormones and insulin (basal, 2 hours post glucose load) were measured by electrochemiluminescence. Results: The body mass index was directly correlated with the value of systolic blood pressure, ratio LH/ FSH and testosterone in serum, and it was inversely correlated with the hormones FSH and PRL. Clinical and laboratory data were observed within the reference limits, but kept directly related to testosterone LH / FSH, BMI and systolic blood pressure. When comparing two patient groups based on the value of the population median, body mass groups > 24 kg/m2 and systolic blood pressure > 120 mmHg, they showed levels of DHEA- S and insulin (basal and 2 h) higher than those women with lower values of BMI and systolic blood pressure. Conclusions: There is a correlation between serum androgen levels with overweight and hypertension by aetiological mechanisms interrelated. Polycystic ovary syndrome is multicausal origin eventually with hyperandrogenemia. Metabolic failure should be monitored in these patients, which would lower the effect of androgens and promote fertility status, but prevents long-term complications such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure.

Protective Role of Onion Oil on Hepato- testicular Oxidative Damage Induced by Gamma Irradiation in Rats.

Aim: Onions have potential antioxidant properties that lower the oxidative status. The Present study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of onion oil in irradiated male albino rats. Study Design: Randomized controlled experiment. Place and Duration of Study: Experimental Animal Unit, Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Cairo Egypt. Methodology: Animals were divided to the following groups each of eight rats. Control group, Onion oil group: Rats received 200 mg/kg b.wt onion oil orally for seven days. IRR group: Rats were exposed to γ- ray as a fractionated dose of 9 Gy for 7 days, Onion oil + IRR group: Rats were administered with onion oil orally along with γ- ray exposure. At the end of this study the animals were sacrificed and the effects of onion oil against hepatotesticular oxidative damages were monitored by assaying the levels of serum alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phoshatase (ALP), as well as testosterone and DHEA level. In addition both liver and testis lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were examined. Results: The results showed a significant increase in serum ACP, AST, and ALT activities (107.7%, 91.1% and 100.2% compared to control) with a decrease in testosterone (12% compared to control) and non- significant change in DHEA. The levels of SOD (59.31±10.67 & 0.21± 0.022), CAT (0.2081± 0.022 & 0.247±0.0453) and GSH (0.32±0.046 & 3.46± 0.476) were significantly decreased in irradiated group accompanied by significant increase in both liver and testis MDA (171.2±13.69 202.2±49.34) respectively. The levels of reversal effects of irradiation were shown by Onion oil + IRR group in both liver and testis. Conclusion: Data concluded that onion oil showed the reversal effects of ionizing radiation induced hepato- testicular oxidative stress.

Morning Salivary Cortisol Associates with Elevated Serum Leptin Levels in Jordanian Young Men with Olive Pollen Induced Allergic Rhinitis.

Aims: Recent studies have shown independently inter-correlations between allergy, obesity, leptin hormone, and stress markers. However, these findings were unclear and contradictory. Thus the aim of the present study is to evaluate diurnal levels of salivary cortisol and DHEA in sample of Jordanian young men with history of olive pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in relation to serum levels of leptin. Methodology: 130 university male students aged (21.98±1.78) years, were divided into two groups (59 allergic and 71 non allergic). Fasting blood samples were collected and tested for blood glucose, lipid profile, serum leptin, and salivary stress hormones (cortisol and DHEA). Results: Allergic subjects showed significantly higher means of serum leptin (p<0.0001), LDL (p<0.0001), Total cholesterol (p=0.001), and BMI (p= 0.004). Also BMI and Body weight significantly correlated with serum leptin in all subjects of the study. Stronger correlation was observed in allergic subjects (r = 0.650; r = 0.589) compared with non allergic subjects (r = 0.349; r = 0.383) respectively. Simple linear regression analysis showed that morning salivary cortisol ( p=0.006) and midnight salivary DHEA ( p=0.015 ), were significantly correlated in allergic subjects with the serum leptin levels concentration. Conclusion: These results revealed an association between the morning salivary cortisol and elevated serum leptin levels in Jordanian young men with olive pollen induced allergic rhinitis.

Evaluation of performance stress among military submarine soldiers by using salivary cortisol,DHEA-S and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio assay / 军事医学

Objective To investigate the significance of salivary cortisol , dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio changes for evaluation of military performance stress .Methods Forty submarine soldiers were selected, whose saliva samples were collected separately at the end of long-term dive training and after nine months of relaxation break.In addition, the saliva samples of thirty-four graduate students were collected the moment they finished a three-hour final examination and one week later .The method of ELISA was used to detect the levels of salivary cortisol and DHEA-S and to count their ratio .Results After long-term dive training , the submarine soldiers showed significantly decreased DHEA-S and an increased cortisol/DHEA-S ratio, but the cortisol level did not change very much .In contrast, the final examination stress did not change the level of cortisol , DHEA-S or the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio among these students.Conclusion This is the first study to show that long-term, chronic military performance stress is associated with the salivary DHEA-S and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio changes .The increase in the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio may be used as an important and useful biomarker to evaluate chronic stress .In addition , it is relatively simple and sensitive to detect stress biomarkers by using saliva samples .

Effect of DHEA on Recovery of Muscle Atrophy Induced by Parkinson's Disease

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on recovery of muscle atrophy induced by Parkinson's disease. METHODS: The rat model was established by direct injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 20 microg) into the left striatum using stereotaxic surgery. Rats were divided into two groups; the Parkinson's disease group with vehicle treatment (Vehicle; n=12) or DHEA treatment group (DHEA; n=22). DHEA or vehicle was administrated intraperitoneally daily at a dose of 0.34 mmol/kg for 21 days. At 22-days after DHEA treatment, soleus, plantaris, and striatum were dissected. RESULTS: The DHEA group showed significant increase (p<.01) in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons in the lesioned side substantia nigra compared to the vehicle group. Weights and Type I fiber cross-sectional areas of the contralateral soleus of the DHEA group were significantly greater than those of the vehicle group (p=.02, p=.00). Moreover, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation significantly decreased in the lesioned striatum, but was recovered with DHEA and also in the contralateral soleus muscle, Akt and ERK phosphorylation recovered significantly and the expression level of myosin heavy chain also recovered by DHEA treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that DHEA treatment recovers Parkinson's disease induced contralateral soleus muscle atrophy through Akt and ERK phosphorylation.

Correlation of Occupational Stress Index with 24-hour Urine Cortisol and Serum DHEA Sulfate among City Bus Drivers: A Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVES: The questionnaire of occupational stress index (OSI) has been popular in the workplace, and it has been tailored for bus drivers in Taiwan. Nevertheless, its outcomes for participants are based on self-evaluations, thus validation by their physiological stress biomarker is warranted and this is the main goal of this study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of sixty-three city bus drivers and fifty-four supporting staffs for comparison was conducted. Questionnaire surveys, 24-hour urine cortisol testing, and blood draws for dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) testing were performed. The measured concentrations of these biological measures were logarithmically transformed before the statistical analysis where various scores of stressor factors, moderators, and stress effects of each OSI domain were analyzed by applying multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: For drivers, the elevated 24-hour urine cortisol level was associated with a worker's relationship with their supervisor and any life change events in the most recent 3 months. The DHEA-S level was higher in drivers of younger age as well as drivers with more concerns relating to their salary and bonuses. Non-drivers showed no association between any stressor or satisfaction and urine cortisol and blood DHEA-S levels. CONCLUSION: Measurements of biomarkers may offer additional stress evaluations with OSI questionnaires for bus drivers. Increased DHEA-S and cortisol levels may result from stressors like income security. Prevention efforts towards occupational stress and life events and health promotional efforts for aged driver were important anti-stress remedies.

El DHEAS incrementa la expresión de GluR2/3 y GLUR2 del receptor AMPA en el hipocampo de ratones C57/BL6 / DHEAS increases levels of GluR2/3 and GluR2, AMPA receptor subunits, in C57BL/6 mice hippocampus

El DHEAS es un neuroesteroide con efecto neuromodulador de la transmisión sináptica y en la neuroprotección, sin embargo las vías moleculares a través de las cuales se inducen estos cambiosno están completamente claras. Como varios de los neuroesteroides actúan a través de los recetores ionotrópicos de glutamato, se evaluó el efecto del DHEAS en las subunidades GluR2 y GluR3 del receptor AMPA para esclarecer sus efectos. Con este fin se administró DHEAS o una sustancia control durante 7 días a ratones C57/BL6. La expresión de las subunidades se evaluó por Westernblotting.Los resultados presentados muestran que la administración prolongada de 40mg/kg/día de DHEAS a ratones C57/BL6 produce un incremento en los niveles de proteína de las subunidades GluR2/3 yGluR2 del receptor AMPA en el hipocampo. Dado el papel específico que juega la subunidad GluR2 del receptor AMPA en el control de la entrada de calcio durante los procesos de muerte celular y de plasticidad sináptica, este hallazgo contribuye al estudio de los neuroesteroides como una estrategia terapéutica relevante en enfermedades neurodegenerativas y eventos cerebrovasculares.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is a neurosteroid that has effects such as neuromodulator of synaptic transmission and neuroprotection. The specific signaling pathways for these effects are not elucidated yet. Given that, some neurosteroids act through the activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors, therefore the effect of DHEA-S on the subunits GluR2 and GluR3of the AMPA receptor was evaluated. Either DHEA-S or a control substance was administered to C57/BL6 mice. Subunit expression of the AMPA receptor was analyzed by Western blotting. Results show that long-term DHEA-S administration toC57/BL6 mice, increases the protein levels of the subunits GluR2 and GluR2/3 of the AMPA receptors located in the hippocampus. Due to the role of AMPA receptor, specifically GluR2subunit in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels, cellular apoptosis, and synaptic plasticity, the study of neurosteroids as a therapeutic strategy in neurodegenerative diseases and cerebrovascular events is very relevant.

Day-to-Day Differences in Cortisol Levels and Molar Cortisol-to-DHEA Ratios among Working Individuals

PURPOSE: The present study was carried out to determine day-to-day differences in cortisol levels and the molar cortisol-to-dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) ratio (molar C/D ratio) in working subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cortisol and DHEA levels were measured from saliva samples collected 30 minutes after awakening for 7 consecutive days in full-time working subjects that worked Monday through Saturday. To determine the day-to-day differences within subjects, the collected data was analyzed using variance (ANOVA) for a randomized complete block design (RCBD). RESULTS: The cortisol levels from samples collected 30 minutes after awakening on workdays were similar to each other, but were significantly different from the cortisol levels on Sunday. The DHEA levels were not significantly different between the days of week. The DHEA levels on Monday and Tuesday were relatively lower than the levels on the other weekdays. The DHEA levels on Thursday and Friday were relatively higher than the other days. The molar C/D ratios on Sunday were significantly lower than those on workdays. The molar C/D ratios on Monday and Tuesday were significantly higher than those on Wednesday or other workdays. CONCLUSION: The cortisol levels and the molar C/D ratios demonstrate differences in adrenocortical activities between workdays and non-workdays, but the molar C/D ratio additionally represents differences in adrenocortical status between the first two workdays and other workdays. Thus, it is possible that the day-to-day differences in the cortisol levels and the molar C/D ratio represent the adrenal response to upcoming work-related stress.

Successful Ovulation Induction and Pregnancy with Administration of L-carnitine and Dehydroepiandrosterone in a Case of Serve Ovulatory Disorder / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

We report a case wherein a woman with HMG/HCG resistant ovarian disorder was treated with L-carnitine (LC) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). In this case, successful ovulation and pregnancy were accomplished after initial LC and DHEA administeration, followed by concurrent HMG/HCG administration.<br>

Dehydroepiandrosterone supplement increases malate dehydrogenase activity and decreases NADPH-dependent antioxidant enzyme activity in rat hepatocellular carcinogenesis

Beneficial effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplement on age-associated chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes, have been reported. However, its mechanism of action in hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo has not been investigated in detail. We have previously shown that during hepatocellular carcinogenesis, DHEA treatment decreases formation of preneoplastic glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive foci in the liver and has antioxidant effects. Here we aimed to determine the mechanism of actions of DHEA, in comparison to vitamin E, in a chemically-induced hepatocellular carcinoma model in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with control diet without a carcinogen, diets with 1.5% vitamin E, 0.5% DHEA and both of the compounds with a carcinogen for 6 weeks. The doses were previously reported to have anti-cancer effects in animals without known toxicities. With DHEA treatment, cytosolic malate dehydrogenase activities were significantly increased by ~5 fold and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were decreased by ~25% compared to carcinogen treated group. Activities of Se-glutathione peroxidase in the cytotol was decreased significantly with DHEA treatment, confirming its antioxidative effect. However, liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 content and NADPH-dependent cytochrome P-450 reductase activities were not altered with DHEA treatment. Vitamin E treatment decreased cytosolic Se-glutathione peroxidase activities in accordance with our previous reports. However, vitamin E did not alter glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase or malate dehydrogenase activities. Our results suggest that DHEA may have decreased tumor nodule formation and reduced lipid peroxidation as previously reported, possibly by increasing the production of NADPH, a reducing equivalent for NADPH-dependent antioxidant enzymes. DHEA treatment tended to reduce glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities, which may have resulted in limited supply for de novo synthesis of DNA via inhibiting the hexose monophophaste pathway. Although both DHEA and vitamin E effectively reduced preneoplastic foci in this model, they seemed to function in different mechanisms. In conclusion, DHEA may be used to reduce hepatocellular carcinoma growth by targeting NADPH synthesis, cell proliferation and anti-oxidant enzyme activities during tumor growth.

Salivary Cortisol and DHEA Levels in the Korean Population: Age-Related Differences, Diurnal Rhythm, and Correlations with Serum Levels

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to examine the changes of basal cortisol and DHEA levels present in saliva and serum with age, and to determine the correlation coefficients of steroid concentrations between saliva and serum. The secondary objective was to obtain a standard diurnal rhythm of salivary cortisol and DHEA in the Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the first objective, saliva and blood samples were collected between 10 and 11 AM from 359 volunteers ranging from 21 to 69 years old (167 men and 192 women). For the second objective, four saliva samples (post-awakening, 11AM, 4PM, and bedtime) were collected throughout a day from 78 volunteers (42 women and 36 men) ranging from 20 to 40 years old. Cortisol and DHEA levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: The morning cortisol and DHEA levels, and the age-related steroid decline patterns were similar in both genders. Serum cortisol levels significantly decreased around forty years of age (p < 0.001, when compared with people in their 20s), and linear regression analysis with age showed a significant declining pattern (slope= -2.29, t= -4.297, p < 0.001). However, salivary cortisol levels did not change significantly with age, but showed a tendency towards decline (slope= -0.0078, t= -0.389, p=0.697). The relative cortisol ratio of serum to saliva was 3.4 - 4.5% and the ratio increased with age (slope=0.051, t=3.61, p < 0.001). DHEA levels also declined with age in saliva (slope= -0.007, t= -3.76, p < 0.001) and serum (slope= -0.197 t= -4.88, p < 0.001). In particular, DHEA levels in saliva and serum did not start to significantly decrease until ages in the 40s, but then decreased significantly further at ages in the 50s (p < 0.001, when compared with the 40s age group) and 60s (p < 0.001, when compared with the 50 age group). The relative DHEA ratio of serum to saliva was similar throughout the ages examined (slop = 0.0016, t = 0.344, p = 0.73). On the other hand, cortisol and DHEA levels in saliva reflected well those in serum (r = 0.59 and 0.86, respectively, p < 0.001). The highest salivary cortisol levels appeared just after awakening (about two fold higher than the 11 AM level), decreased throughout the day, and reached the lowest levels at bedtime (p < 0.001, when compared with PM cortisol levels). The highest salivary DHEA levels also appeared after awakening (about 1.5 fold higher than the 11 AM level) and decreased by 11AM (p < 0.001). DHEA levels did not decrease further until bedtime (p=0.11, when compared with PM DHEA levels). CONCLUSION: This study showed that cortisol and DHEA levels change with age and that the negative slope of DHEA was steeper than that of cortisol in saliva and serum. As the cortisol and DHEA levels in saliva reflected those in serum, the measurement of steroid levels in saliva provide a useful and practical tool to evaluate adrenal functions, which are essential for clinical diagnosis.

Salivary Cortisol and DHEA Levels in the Korean Population: Age-Related Differences, Diurnal Rhythm, and Correlations with Serum Levels

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to examine the changes of basal cortisol and DHEA levels present in saliva and serum with age, and to determine the correlation coefficients of steroid concentrations between saliva and serum. The secondary objective was to obtain a standard diurnal rhythm of salivary cortisol and DHEA in the Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the first objective, saliva and blood samples were collected between 10 and 11 AM from 359 volunteers ranging from 21 to 69 years old (167 men and 192 women). For the second objective, four saliva samples (post-awakening, 11AM, 4PM, and bedtime) were collected throughout a day from 78 volunteers (42 women and 36 men) ranging from 20 to 40 years old. Cortisol and DHEA levels were measured using a radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: The morning cortisol and DHEA levels, and the age-related steroid decline patterns were similar in both genders. Serum cortisol levels significantly decreased around forty years of age (p < 0.001, when compared with people in their 20s), and linear regression analysis with age showed a significant declining pattern (slope= -2.29, t= -4.297, p < 0.001). However, salivary cortisol levels did not change significantly with age, but showed a tendency towards decline (slope= -0.0078, t= -0.389, p=0.697). The relative cortisol ratio of serum to saliva was 3.4 - 4.5% and the ratio increased with age (slope=0.051, t=3.61, p < 0.001). DHEA levels also declined with age in saliva (slope= -0.007, t= -3.76, p < 0.001) and serum (slope= -0.197 t= -4.88, p < 0.001). In particular, DHEA levels in saliva and serum did not start to significantly decrease until ages in the 40s, but then decreased significantly further at ages in the 50s (p < 0.001, when compared with the 40s age group) and 60s (p < 0.001, when compared with the 50 age group). The relative DHEA ratio of serum to saliva was similar throughout the ages examined (slop = 0.0016, t = 0.344, p = 0.73). On the other hand, cortisol and DHEA levels in saliva reflected well those in serum (r = 0.59 and 0.86, respectively, p < 0.001). The highest salivary cortisol levels appeared just after awakening (about two fold higher than the 11 AM level), decreased throughout the day, and reached the lowest levels at bedtime (p < 0.001, when compared with PM cortisol levels). The highest salivary DHEA levels also appeared after awakening (about 1.5 fold higher than the 11 AM level) and decreased by 11AM (p < 0.001). DHEA levels did not decrease further until bedtime (p=0.11, when compared with PM DHEA levels). CONCLUSION: This study showed that cortisol and DHEA levels change with age and that the negative slope of DHEA was steeper than that of cortisol in saliva and serum. As the cortisol and DHEA levels in saliva reflected those in serum, the measurement of steroid levels in saliva provide a useful and practical tool to evaluate adrenal functions, which are essential for clinical diagnosis.