Perfil de dehidroepiandrosterona sulfatada en adultos mayores costarricenses

Objetivo: Describir y relacionar los niveles de la hormona dehidroepiandrosterona sulfatada en una muestra representativa nacional de adultos mayores con su salud, discapacidad, situación social, económica, antropométrica y de estado nutricional con el fin de aportar información sobre los valores de este biomarcador en la población general del país. Métodos: Con las respuestas a un cuestionario autorreportado de una muestra de adultos mayores, se midió el estado de salud físico y mental, valores de ingesta calórica y niveles de dehidroepiandrosterona sulfatada en suero de los entrevistados. Resultados: Los valores promedio de dehidroepiandrosterona sulfatada muestran una disminución progresiva según edad, en hombres con un promedio de 70.9 ± 46.6 μg/ dl y en mujeres de 38.9 ± 29.4 μg/dl. Valores más bajos se obtienen en personas que se autorreportan como de buena situación económica o con mejor nivel educativo, con hipertensión, hipercolesterolemia, diabetes, con bajo peso u obesidad y en quienes consumen menos de 1500 o más de 3000 calorías por día. Conclusiones: Las diferencias por sexo y edad observadas, así como en el comportamiento de la distribución, son las esperadas y corresponden a lo descrito en la literatura para esta hormona. Eventos adversos en salud, como reporte de padecimiento de enfermedades crónicas, valores extremos del índice de masa corporal, sedentarismo, discapacidad y depresión están asociados a niveles medios o bajos de DHEAS.

Aim: To relate the levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone - sulfate's hormone of a national representative sample of older adults with their health, disability, biomarkers, social, economic, anthropometric, and nutritional status. Methods: With the responses from a self-reported questionnaire of a sample of adults, the health, disability, mental and nutritional status were registered; also, serum DHEA levels were determined. Results: The mean DHEA values showed a progressive decrease according to age, in men the average is 70.9 ± 46.6) μg/dl, for women 38.9 ± 29.4) μg/dl. Lower values are obtained in elderly adults of better economic condition or with better educational level; with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes; with low weight or obesity and in those who consumed less than 1500 or more than 3000 per day. Conclusions: Differences by sex and age observed, as well as Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate distribution, are expected and correspond to the behavior described in the literature for this hormone. Adverse health events, such as reports of suffering from chronic diseases, BMI extreme values, sedentary lifestyles, disability, and depression, are associated with low mean levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

The influence of dehydroepiandrosterone on effector functions of neutrophils

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, gonads and brain. It is a precursor to sex hormones and also is known to have immune modulatory activity. However, little is known about the relationship between DHEA and neutrophils and thus our study evaluates the influence of DHEA in the effector functions of neutrophils. Human neutrophils were treated in vitro with DHEA and further infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The treatment of neutrophils with 0.01 µM of DHEA increased the phagocytosis of Salmonella independent of TLR4 as the treatment did not modulate the TLR4 expression. Additionally, DHEA caused a decrease in ROS (reactive oxygen species) production and did not influence the formation of the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET). Steroid treated neutrophils, infected or stimulated with LPS (lipopolysaccharide), showed reduced production of IL-8, compared to untreated cells. Also, the protein levels of p-NFκB were decreased in neutrophils treated with DHEA, and this reduction could explain the reduced levels of IL-8. These results led us to conclude that the steroid hormone DHEA has important modulatory functions in neutrophils

Correlation of serum androgen and gonadotropin with anti-mullerian hormone in polycystic ovarian syndrome in Eastern Indian population

Background: Ovarian steroidogenesis requires gonadotropin stimulation, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a key factor in the hyperandrogenaemia of the polycystic ovary syndrome. Progesterone is the primary regulator of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency; however, in the polycystic ovary syndrome, the GnRH pulse generator is relatively resistant to the negative feedback effects of progesterone.  Study aims to evaluate the association of Anti-mullerian hormone with serum androgen and gonadotropin level in adolescents and young women of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).Methods: This was a single centre observational Cross-sectional study carried out in the department of Endocrinology and metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata from March 2017 to January 2019. Total number of study subjects were 207 out of which 138 were cases.Results: The AMH had strong positive correlation with serum testosterone in both case and control groups (r 0.542, p<0.001 and r 0.57, p<0.001) respectively .After the adjustment of age and BMI , the AMH moderately positive  but extremely significant correlation with serum testosterone as compare to control.Conclusions: Hyperandrogenaemia and higher ratio of LH and FSH associated with higher serum AMH level is associated with the higher serum AMH in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Testosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Treatment in Ageing Men: Are We All Set?

Although demographic statistics show that populations around the world are rapidly ageing, this rising life expectancy is accompanied by an increase in the number of people living with age-related chronic conditions, such as frailty, cognitive decline, depression, or sexual dysfunction. In men, a progressive decline in androgens occurs with increasing age, and low androgen levels are associated with age-related chronic conditions. However, androgen administration studies are inconclusive, showing differing results according to the androgen used (testosterone [T], dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]), the group of men examined (younger vs. older; eugonadal vs. hypogonadal) and the conditions studied (frailty, cognitive decline, depression, sexual dysfunction). In this review, the current state for the use of T and DHEA therapy in men for the age-related conditions is examined. Due to the progressive age-related decline in androgens leading to a higher rate of older men having low androgen levels, the effects of androgen treatment in elderly males will be of particular interest in this review. Dose-response relationships, the role of potential moderators, and the androgen treatment-related risk for adverse events will be discussed. Studies have suggested that T treatment - more so than DHEA treatment - may be an effective therapy against age-related chronic conditions in men with low T levels; especially older men. Such conditions include frailty, depression, or sexual dysfunction. However, T treatment does not emerge as an effective therapy against cognitive decline. Nevertheless, more high-quality, randomised controlled trials using T treatment for age-related chronic conditions are necessary if further conclusions are to be made.

Low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate are associated with the risk of developing cardiac autonomic dysfunction in elderly subjects

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the relationships between serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels and heart rate variability (HRV) among different age groups. Subjects and methods: Forty-five healthy men were divided into 3 groups: young age (YA; 20-39 yrs; n = 15), middle age (MA; 40-59 yrs; n = 15) and old age (OA; ≥ 60 yrs; n = 15). Hemodynamic parameters, linear analyses of HRV and concentrations of cortisol and DHEA-S were measured at rest. Results: The OA group presented a higher resting heart rate (84.3 ± 4.6 bpm) than the YA group (72.0 ± 4.4 bpm; p < 0.05). The YA group showed an attenuated variance of HRV (2235.1 ± 417.9 ms2) compared to the MA (1014.3 ± 265.2 ms2; p < 0.05) and OA (896.3 ± 274.1 ms2; p < 0.05) groups, respectively. The parasympathetic modulation of HRV was lower in both the MA (244.2 ± 58.0 ms2) and OA (172.8 ± 37.9 ms2) groups in comparison with the YA group (996.0 ± 255.4 ms2; p < 0.05), while serum DHEA-S levels were significantly lower in both the MA (91.2 ± 19.6 mg/dL) and OA (54.2 ± 17.7 mg/dL) groups compared to the YA group (240.0 ± 50.8 mg/dL; p < 0.05). A positive correlation between lower serum concentrations of DHEA-S and attenuated variance of HRV (r = 0.47, p = 0.031), as well as lower serum concentrations of DHEA-S and decreased parasympathetic modulation of HRV (r = 0.54, p = 0.010), were found. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the decline of plasma DHEA-S is associated with reduced cardiac autonomic modulation during the aging process.

Evaluación del efecto de la prasterona en el tratamiento del deseo sexual hipoactivo en mujeres posmenopáusicas / Evaluation of the effect of the Prasterone in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire in postmenopausal women

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar los efectos de la dosis oral diaria de 50 mg de dehidroepiandrosterona en la función sexual de pacientes posmenopáusicas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio experimental, clínico, prospectivo y longitudinal efectuado en pacientes posmenopáusicas atendidas en el Hospital Juárez de México entre los meses de abril a julio de 2017. La muestra se seleccionó de pacientes posmenopáusicas atendidas por primera vez que cumplieran los criterios de inclusión. Administración de 50 mg de prasterona (Biolaif™) por vía oral cada 24 horas durante 12 meses a las pacientes con protocolo de estudio completo; consulta de seguimiento cada 3 meses. Estadística descriptiva y análisis bidimensional de Friedman. Los estudios estadísticos se realizaron con el programa SPSS versión 22. RESULTADOS: En 29 pacientes se evaluó el índice de función sexual que se incrementó, posterior al tratamiento oral con 50 mg diarios de prasterona, de una media de 10.8 a 28.1, y a 12 meses en 18 pacientes de una media de 10.6 a 29.1. CONCLUSIONES: La disfunción sexual es un problema de salud infradiagnosticado en pacientes posmenopáusicas. La administración oral de prasterona (dehidroepiandrosterona) a dosis de 50 mg al día mejoró todos los dominios del índice de función sexual femenina de todas las pacientes estudiadas con resultados estadísticamente significativos, sin efectos secundarios de hiperandrogenismo.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the administration of 50 mg of DHEA orally daily on sexual function of menopausal patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an experimental, clinical, prospective and longitudinal study in menopausal patients. We selected the sample from april to july 2017 with menopausal patients who attended for the first time at the clinic who met the inclusion criteria, having a final sample of 29 patients. Patients with a complete study protocol who met the entry criteria were administered 50 mg of prasterone (Biolaif™) orally daily for 12 months, with a follow-up consultation every 3 months. Descriptive statistics were used for the statistical analysis. Also, Friedman's two-dimensional analysis was used. All statistical studies were conducted in the SPSS program, v.22. RESULTS: Sexual Function Index evaluated with 29 patients at 6 months increased from an average of 10.8 to 28.1. At 12 months with 18 patients, after the treatment with 50 mg prasterone orally daily, it increased from an average of 10.6 to 29.1. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is an underdiagnosed health problem in patients over the postmenopausal stage. Administration of prasterone (DHEA) at a dose of 50 mg orally daily improved the domains of Female Sexual Function Index of all our patients with statistically significant results, without side effects of hyperandrogenism.

Association analysis of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and cholelithiasis in transitional menopausal women / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the relationship between testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DEHA) and cholelithiasis among women in climacteric transition period.@*Methods@#A total of 2 127 women aged 40~55 were included from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Individuals were divided into gallstone group (n=129) and control group (n=1 998). Serum testosterone, DEHA and other clinical indicators were measured. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the averages of continuous variables between groups. Logistic regression was used to analyse the associations between testosterone and DEHA and cholelithiasis.@*Results@#The gallstone group had higher testosterone, systolic blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, triglyceride, C-reactive protein, and lower DHEA, sex hormone binding globulin and high density lipoprotein (P<0.05). After fully adjusting the covariates, testosterone and DEHA levels were correlated with gallstone occurrence, OR (95% CI) were 1.010(1.005~1.015) and 0.994 (0.991~0.997), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression, testosterone may be independent risk factors for gallstones, OR (95% CI) were 1.012(1.007~1.016). DEHA may be independent protective factors for the end of gallbladder, OR (95%CI) were 0.994 (0.991~0.997).@*Conclusion@#Testosterone was positively correlated with gallstone risk and DEHA was negatively correlated with gallstone risk in transitional menopausal women.

Study on six patients with 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To improve the understanding of 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase deficiency ( 17OHD ) disease. Methods The clinical data of six patients suffering from 17OHD were analyzed retrospectively. Results Two patients with complete combined defect had typical clinical presentation, including absence of secondary sexual characteristics, primary amenorrhea, hypertension, hypokalamia, lower gonadal hormone levels, as well as elevated corticotropin and progesterone levels. TAC329AA homozygous mutation,IVS1+2T＞C, and c.775 776delAT complex heterozygous mutation were found in 2 cases. Four cases of partial combined defect showed high progesterone, lower gonadal hormones and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels. Three females (46, XX) showed spontaneous menstrual and primary infertility, and two of them got successful pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology. TAC329AA heterozygous mutation was found in those 4 cases. Conclusions TAC329AA mutations are common in 17OHD, and heterozygous or homozygous mutation of TAC329AA may be the genetic and molecular basis for determining whether these patients present as partial or complete defect. The elevated plasma progesterone in non-pregnancy combined with lower gonadal hormones and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate is the main character of patients with partial 17OHD. Less severe patients may be able to get successful pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology.

Association analysis of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and cholelithiasis in transitional menopausal women / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between testosterone,dehydroepiandrosterone (DEHA) and cholelithiasis among women in climacteric transition period.Methods A total of 2127 women aged 40 ～55 were included from the Study of Womeng Health Across the Nation.Individuals were divided into gallstone group (n =129) and control group (n =1998).Serum testosterone,DEHA and other clinical indicators were measured.Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the averages of continuous variables between groups.Logistic regression was used to analyse the associations between testosterone and DEHA and cholelithiasis.Results The gallstone group had higher testosterone,systolic blood pressure,BMI,waist circumference,hip circumference,triglyceride,C-reactive protein,and lower DHEA,sex hormone binding globulin and high density lipoprotein (P ＜ 0.05).After fully adjusting the covariates,testosterone and DEHA levels were correlated with gallstone occurrence,OR (95％ CI) were 1.010(1.005 ～ 1.015) and 0.994 (0.991 ～0.997),respectively.In multivariate logistic regression,testosterone may be independent risk factors for gallstones,OR (95％ CI) were 1.012 (1.007 ～ 1.016).DEHA may be independent protective factors for the end of gallbladder,OR (95％ CI) were 0.994 (0.991 ～0.997).Conclusion Testosterone was positively correlated with gallstone risk and DEHA was negatively correlated with gallstone risk in transitional menopausal women.

Live birth outcomes of vitrified embryos generated under growth hormone stimulation are improved for women categorized as poor-prognosis / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical pregnancy (CP) and live birth (LB) rates arising from frozen embryo transfers (FETs) that had been generated under the influence of in vitro fertilization (IVF) adjuvants given to women categorized as poor-prognosis.METHODS: A registered, single-center, retrospective study. A total of 1,119 patients with first FETs cycle include 310 patients with poor prognosis (109 treated with growth hormone [GH], (+)GH group vs. 201 treated with dehydroepiandrosterone, (–)GH group) and 809 patients with good prognosis (as control, (–)Adj (Good) group).RESULTS: The poor-prognosis women were significantly older, with a lower ovarian reserve than the (–)Adj (Good) group, and demonstrated lower chances of CP (p<0.005) and LB (p<0.005). After adjusting for confounders, the chances of both CP and LB in the (+)GH group were not significantly different from those in the (–)Adj (Good) group, indicating that the poor-prognosis patients given GH had similar outcomes to those with a good prognosis. Furthermore, the likelihood of LB was significantly higher for poor-prognosis women given GH than for those who did not receive GH (p<0.028). This was further confirmed in age-matched analyses.CONCLUSION: The embryos cryopreserved from fresh IVF cycles in which adjuvant GH had been administered to women classified as poor-prognosis showed a significant 2.7-fold higher LB rate in subsequent FET cycles than a matched poor-prognosis group. The women with a poor prognosis who were treated with GH had LB outcomes equivalent to those with a good prognosis. We therefore postulate that GH improves some aspect of oocyte quality that confers improved competency for implantation.

Spinal Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II Increases Neurosteroid-metabolizing Cytochrome P450c17 Expression in a Rodent Model of Neuropathic Pain

We have previously demonstrated that the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) induces functional potentiation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors via increases in phosphorylation of NMDA receptor GluN1 subunit (pGluN1). However, the modulatory mechanisms responsible for the expression of the DHEA-synthesizing enzyme, cytochrome P450c17 following peripheral nerve injury have yet to be examined. Here we determined whether oxidative stress induced by the spinal activation of nitric oxide synthase type II (NOS-II) modulates the expression of P450c17 and whether this process contributes to the development of neuropathic pain in rats. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve induced a significant increase in the expression of NOS-II in microglial cells and NO levels in the lumbar spinal cord dorsal horn at postoperative day 5. Intrathecal administration of the NOS-II inhibitor, L-NIL during the induction phase of neuropathic pain (postoperative days 0~5) significantly reduced the CCI-induced development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Sciatic nerve injury increased the expression of PKC- and PKA-dependent pGluN1 as well as the mRNA and protein levels of P450c17 in the spinal cord at postoperative day 5, and these increases were suppressed by repeated administration of L-NIL. Co-administration of DHEAS together with L-NIL restored the development of neuropathic pain and pGluN1 that were originally inhibited by L-NIL administration alone. Collectively these results provide strong support for the hypothesis that activation of NOS-II increases the mRNA and protein levels of P450c17 in the spinal cord, ultimately leading to the development of central sensitization and neuropathic pain induced by peripheral nerve injury.

The association between serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels and job-related stress among female nurses

BACKGROUND: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is an endogenous steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. DHEAS has been suggested to play a protective role against psychosocial stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between job-related stress and blood concentrations of DHEAS according to occupational stress factors among female nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 118 premenopausal nurses from 4 departments (operating room, emergency room [ER], intensive care unit, and ward) of a university hospital. Participants were all rotating night shift workers who have worked for over a year and mean age of 33.5 ± 4.8 years. Data from structured questionnaires including the Korean Occupational Stress Score, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used. RESULTS: In the high job-related stressor group, scores of BDI, BAI, and PSQI were significantly higher than low-stressor group. ER nurses had relatively more work-burden related stressors, but they had significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression than other groups. And, ER nurses showed higher levels of DHEAS than the other department nurses. The differences were significant (p = 0.003). Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference even after adjusting for factors that could affect level of DHEAS, such as age, body mass index, drinking, and physical activity (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: This result suggests the possibility that DHEAS may play a role as a marker of proper stress management. The capacity to secrete DHEAS is not simply due to workload or job stressor but could be determined depending on how individuals and groups deal with and resolve stress. Proper resolution of stress may affect positive hormone secretion.

Gut microbiota of polycystic ovary syndrome model rats induced with dehydroepiandrosterone / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To explore the changes of gut microbiota in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model rats and to study the possible role of gut microbiota in the pathological progress of PCOS. Methods: Six-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group and experimental group (n=10 per group). Subcutaneous injection with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in 0.2 mL phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was adopted to establish PCOS model rats, while the control group rats were subcutaneously injected with the same amount of PBS. After treatment for 4 weeks, the estrous cycle, ovarian weight and morphology were detected. The change of relative abundance of gut microbiota was detected with high-throughput Illumina sequencing technique. Results: Ovarian weight in experimental group was lower than that in control group (P=0.010). The estrous cycle was disrupted and ovarian morphology was greatly changed with enlarged follicles and polycystic ovaries, indicating successful PCOS rat model induced by DHEA. Relative abundance of gut microbiota was significantly altered in genus level, with enrichment of genus Alloprevotella (P=0.040) and Parasutterella (P=0.009) in experimental group. Several kinds of microbial taxa, such as Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Burkholderiale, Elusimicrobia, Elusimicrobiales, Elusimicrobiaceae, and microbial genera Elusimicrobium, Parasutterella and Allobaculum, were remarkably enriched in experimental group, while the abundance of Psychrobacter, Odoribacter and Moraxellaceae were reduced compared with control group revealed by LEfSe analysis (LDA≥2.0). Conclusion: The gut microbiota in PCOS model rats is greatly changed compared with that of control group. Many kinds of microbial taxa varies significantly in abundance, suggesting there might be close association between gut microbiota and occurrence and development of PCOS.

Presence, patterns & predictors of hypocortisolism in patients with HIV infection in India

Background & objectives: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is rarely diagnosed in patients with HIV infection, in spite of autopsy studies showing very high rates of adrenal involvement. This study was aimed to determine the presence, patterns and predictors of AI in patients with HIV infection. Methods: Consecutive HIV patients, 18-70 yr age, without any severe co-morbid state, having at least one-year follow up at the antiretroviral therapy clinic, underwent clinical assessment and hormone assays. Results: From initially screened 527 patients, 359 patients having good immune function were analyzed. Basal morning cortisol <6 ?g/dl (<165 nmol/l; Group 1), 6-11 ?g/dl (165-300 nmol/l; Group 2), 11-18 ?g/dl (300-500 nmol/l; Group 3) and ?18 ?g/dl (500 nmol/l; Group 4) were observed in 13, 71, 199 and 76 patients, respectively. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test revealed 87 patients (24.23%) to have AI. AI in groups 1-4 was 100, 56.34, 17.09 and 0 per cent, respectively. AI patients were more likely to be females (P<0.05), having longer disease duration (P<0.05), immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, hyperkalaemia (P<0.01), lower fasting glucose (P<0.01), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and vitamin D. Regression analysis revealed morning cortisol and DHEAS to be best predictors of AI (P=0.004 and 0.028, respectively). Interpretation & conclusions: AI is a significant problem in HIV-infected individuals, observed in nearly a quarter of patients. Diagnosis warrants high index of suspicion and low threshold for screening, especially in those having low DHEAS and hyperkalaemia. Morning cortisol is a reasonable screening test, with ACTH stimulation warranted to confirm diagnosis, especially in patients with morning cortisol <11 ?g/dl (300 nmol/l).

Assessing endocrine and immune parameters in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients before and after the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome

ABSTRACT Objective The present study compares immune and endocrine parameters between HIV-infected patients who underwent the Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS-P) during antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV-patients who did not undergo the syndrome (non-IRIS-P). Materials and methods Blood samples were obtained from 31 HIV-infected patients (15 IRIS-P and 16 non-IRIS-P) before ART (BT) and 48 ± 2 weeks after treatment initiation (AT). Plasma Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) were determined by ELISA. Cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and thyroxin concentrations were measured using chemiluminescence immune methods. Results Concentrations of IL-6 (7.9 ± 1.9 pg/mL) and IL-18 (951.5 ± 233.0 pg/mL) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in IRIS-P than in non-IRIS-P (3.9 ± 1.0 pg/mL and 461.0 ± 84.4 pg/mL, respectively) BT. Mean T4 plasma level significantly decreased in both groups of patients after treatment (p < 0.05). In both groups cortisol levels were similar before and after ART (p > 0.05). Levels of DHEA-S in IRIS-P decreased AT (1080.5 ± 124.2 vs. 782.5 ± 123.8 ng/mL, p < 0.05) and they were significantly lower than in non-IRIS-P (782.5 ± 123.8 vs. 1203.7 ± 144.0 ng/mL, p < 0.05). IRIS-P showed higher values of IL-6 and IL-18 BT and lower levels of DHEA-S AT than in non-IRIS-P. Conclusion These parameters could contribute to differentiate IRIS-P from non-IRIS-P. The significant decrease in DHEA-S levels in IRIS-P after ART might suggest a different adrenal response in these patients, which may reflect the severity of the disease.

Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on fatty acid metabolism in the liver of high-fat diet-induced obese rats / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To explore the role of dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEA) in fatty acid metabolism in the liver of obese rats induced by high fat diet. Methods Twenty-seven SD rats were divided into control group, high-fat diet group ( HF group ) , and high-fat diet combined with DHEA treatment group ( DHEA group ) . The serum glucose and insulin levels were determined, while the free fatty acids ( FFA ) level was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The mRNA expressions of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), lipoprotein lipase ( LPL ) , acetyl-CoA carboxylase ( ACC ) , fatty acid synthase ( FAS ) , carnitine acyl-CoA transferase (CPT), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 ( SCD1) were measured by real-time PCR. Finally, oil red O staining was also used to observe the changes in hepatic lipid deposition. Results ( 1) The content of hepatic FFA in HF group was significantly higher than that in control group ( P<0.05) , but decreased in DHEA group compared with that in HF group (P<0.05). (2) Compared with HF group, the mRNA expressions of HSL, LPL, ACC, FAS in DHEA group were significantly lower while the mRNA expressions of CPT1, CPT2, and SCD1 were significantly higher ( all P<0.05). (3) Oil-red O staining showed that the liver lipid content in high fat diet-fed rats were significantly increased compared with that in the chow diet group( P<0.05) , but there was no difference between HF and DHEA groups. However, the structural damage of HF group was more evident compared with DHEA group. Conclusion DHEA may reduce the content of hepatic FFA in high-fat diet-induced obese rats via inhibiting the production of FFA and promoting theβ-oxidation of FFA.

Improve diagnostic performance of PCOS by measurements of testosterone and dehydcoepiandrosterone sulfate with ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To compare ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and chemiluminescence immunoassay(CLIA) measurement of human serum androgen levels in polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS). Methods 160 PCOS patients and 146 healthy subjects(control group) were recruited and their serum androgen levels——measurements of testosterone and dehydcoepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were tested by UPLC-MS/MS and CLIA. The androgen results combined with body mass index(BMI) were analyzed by ROC curve. According to area under curve(AUC) calculated by SPSS, a better method will be selected to provide accurate test results for physicians. Results (1)AUC of DHEA-S tested by UPLC-MS/MS was significantly higher than the one tested by CLIA(P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the AUC of T tested by UPLC-MS/MS and the one tested by CLIA. (2)AUC of T combined with DHEA-S tested by HPLC was not only significantly higher than the AUC of two combined indicators tested by CLIA(P<0.01),but also significantly higher than the AUC of a single indicator——either T(P<0.01) or DHEA-S(P<0.01) tested by UPLC-MS/MS. (3)The AUC of T,DHEA-S combined with BMI tested by HPLC was not only significantly higher than the AUC of three combined indicators tested by CLIA(P<0.01),but also higher than the AUC of two combined indicators tested by UPLC-MS/MS(P<0.05). Conclusion T and DHEA-S tested by UPLC-MS/MS combined with BMI has a certain reference value in the diagnosis of PCOS.

Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on expression of ICAM-1 in rabbit aorta and HUVECs induced by high lipid levels / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA)on the expression of intercellu-lar adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)induced by high lipid levels in rabbit aorta and human umbilical venous endothelial cells(HUVECs),and the effects of all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)in this process.METHODS: For in vitro experi-ments,the cultured HUVEC were divided into control group,oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)group,ox-LDL+DHEA group,ox-LDL+DHEA+ATRA group and DHEA group.The HUVECs in all groups were treated with the corre-sponding reagents for 24 h.The expression of ICAM-1 at mRNA and protein levels in all groups were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA,respectively.For in vivo experiments,the rabbits were divided into control group,high lipid group,high lipid+DHEA group,high lipid+DHEA+ATRA group and DHEA group.The rabbits in all groups were fed with the cor-responding diets for 10 weeks.The expression of ICAM-1 in the rabbit aorta at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:The expression of ICAM-1 in the HUVECs in ox-LDL group was signifi-cantly increased compared with control group(P<0.05).Compared with ox-LDL group,the expression of ICAM-1 in ox-LDL+DHEA group was obviously decreased(P<0.05).The expression of ICAM-1 was similar in both control group and DHEA group(P>0.05).The expression of ICAM-1 was similar in both ox-LDL+DHEA group and ox-LDL+DHEA+ATRA group(P>0.05).The expression of ICAM-1 in the rabbit aorta in high lipid group was significantly increased com-pared with control group(P<0.05).Compared with high lipid group, the expression of ICAM-1 in high lipid+DHEA group was obviously decreased(P<0.05).No remarkable difference in the expression of ICAM-1 between control group and DHEA group was observed(P>0.05), so did between high lipid +DHEA group and high lipid +DHEA+ATRA group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:DHEA inhibits high lipid-induced ICAM-1 expression in rabbit aorta and HUVECs. That may be one of the mechanisms of antiatherosclerotic effect of DHEA.ATRA seems no positive effect on DHEA func-tion.

Dehydroepiandrosterone and Erectile Function: A Review

To review the contemporary knowledge regarding the dehydroepiandrosterone and erectile function. Medline was reviewed for English-language journal articles spanning the time between January 1990 and December 2017, using the terms ‘erectile function’, ‘dehydroepiandrosterone’. We used original articles and review articles that found to be relevant to the purpose of this review. Criteria included all pertinent review articles, randomized controlled trials with tight methodological design, cohort studies and retrospective analyses. We also manually revised references from selected articles. Several interesting studies have addressed the age-related decline in dehydroepiandrosterone levels with many age-related phenomena or deterioration in various physiological functions. Particularly, aging; neurological functions including decreased well-being, cognition, and memory; increased depression, decreased bone mineral density, obesity, diabetes, increased cardiovascular morbidity, erectile dysfunction (ED), and decreased libido. Supporting this result, some trials of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in healthy, middle-aged, and elderly subjects have reported improvements in different aspects of well-being. Several studies had demonstrated that dehydroepiandrosterone level is declined as a part of aging. Large-scale well-designed prospective studies are warranted to better define indications and therapeutic implications of dehydroepiandrosterone in men with ED.

Efecto del Medio Condicionado de la Línea Celular H9C2 Tratada con Dehidroepiandrosterona y Expuesta a Daño sobre la Motilidad de Células Troncales Mesenquimales / Effect of the Conditioned Medium from H9C2 Cell Line Treated with Dehydroepiandrosterone and Exposed to Damage on the Motility of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

RESUMEN: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) son la principal causa de muerte a nivel mundial, donde la terapia con Células Troncales Mesenquimales (CTM) representa una alternativa para los pacientes que no logran recuperarse con los tratamientos actuales. El lograr que las CTM residentes se movilicen al órgano afectado representaría una ventaja para el manejo terapéutico de las ECV. La dehidroepiandrosterona (DHEA) es un precursor hormonal cuyos niveles disminuyen a lo largo de la vida, lo que se ha asociado al desarrollo de ECV. Diversos estudios han demostrado que el consumo de DHEA previene y mejora la condición cardiaca, aunque no se sabe si esto ocurre porque se ejerce un efecto en los cardiomiocitos y estos, a su vez, hacia las CTM. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el efecto del medio condicionado procedente de la línea H9C2 pretratada con DHEA y sometida a daño, sobre la motilidad de CTM, llevando a cabo un ensayo de cierre de herida. El pretratamiento con DHEA y el daño en la línea H9C2, promueve la motilidad de CTM. El estímulo de la motilidad de CTM por un efecto indirecto de DHEA podría ser una estrategia terapéutica para el daño cardiaco.

ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy is an alternative for patients who cannot recover with current treatments. Ensure movilization of MSC to the affected organs would represent an advantage for therapeutic management of CVD. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone precursor whose levels decrease throughout life, which has been associated with the onset of CVD. Several studies have shown that DHEA consumption, prevents and improves heart condition, although it is not known if this is because an effect on cardiomyocytes is exercised on these cells and this, in turn, to CTM. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of conditioned medium from H9C2 cell line pretreated with DHEA and subjected to damage, on the motility of CTM, performing a wound healing assay. Pretreatment with DHEA and damage to H9C2 cell line, promotes motility of CTM. Stimulation of CTM motility by an indirect effect of DHEA could be a therapeutic strategy for heart damage.