DHEAS Levels (DHEA + level)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Cardiovascular Disease Is Associated with Greater Incident Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Decline in the Oldest Old: The Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars Study

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2010
Jason L. Sanders BA
OBJECTIVES: To describe cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and change in DHEAS with age. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars study participants assessed in 2005/06 (N=989, mean age 85.2, 63.5% women, 16.5% African American). MEASUREMENTS: Health characteristics were assessed in 2005/06 according to DHEAS level, mean DHEAS and DHEAS change across age categories were tested, and linear and logistic regression was used to identify factors present in 1996/97 associated with continuous and categorical DHEAS change. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation DHEAS was 0.555 ± 0.414 ,g/mL in 1996/97 and 0.482 ± 0.449 ,g/mL in 2005/06 for women and 0.845 ± 0.520 ,g/mL in 1996/97 and 0.658 ± 0.516 ,g/mL in 2005/06 for men. In 2005/06, DHEAS was lower in women and subjects with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic pulmonary disease and higher for African Americans and subjects with hypertension and high cholesterol. Mean DHEAS change was greater in men (,0.200 ,g/mL) than in women (,0.078 ,g/mL) (P<.001). Each 1-year increase in age attenuated the effect of male sex by 0.01 ,g/mL (P=.009), abolishing the sex difference in DHEAS change by age 79. Presence of CVD before the study period was associated with greater absolute DHEAS change (,=,0.04 ,g/mL, P=.04) and with the fourth quartile of DHEAS change versus the first to third quartiles (odds ratio=1.46, 95% confidence interval=1.03,2.05). CONCLUSION: DHEAS change continues into very old age, is not homogenous, is affected by sex, and is associated with prevalent CVD. Future studies should investigate factors that might accelerate DHEAS decline. [source]


The association of plasma androgen levels with breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer risk factors among postmenopausal women

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2010
Kim N. Danforth
Abstract Although androgens may play an etiologic role in breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers, little is known about factors that influence circulating androgen levels. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 646 postmenopausal women in the Nurses' Health Study to examine associations between adult risk factors for cancer, including the Rosner/Colditz breast cancer risk score, and plasma levels of testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS). All analyses were adjusted for age, laboratory batch and other cancer risk factors. Free testosterone levels were 79% higher among women with a body mass index of ,30 vs. <22 kg/m2 (p -trend <0.01) and 25% higher among women with a waist circumference of >89 vs. ,74 cm (p -trend = 0.02). Consuming >30 g of alcohol a day vs. none was associated with a 31% increase in DHEA and 59% increase in DHEAS levels (p -trend = 0.01 and <0.01, respectively). Smokers of ,25 cigarettes per day had 35% higher androstenedione and 44% higher testosterone levels than never smokers (p -value, F -test = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). No significant associations were observed for height or time since menopause with any androgen. Testosterone and free testosterone levels were ,30% lower among women with a hysterectomy vs. without (both p -values < 0.01). Overall breast cancer risk was not associated with any of the androgens. Thus, several risk factors, including body size, alcohol intake, smoking and hysterectomy, were related to androgen levels among postmenopausal women, while others, including height and time since menopause, were not. Future studies are needed to clarify further which lifestyle factors modulate androgen levels. [source]


Sex Steroid Level, Androgen Receptor Polymorphism, and Depressive Symptoms in Healthy Elderly Men

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2005
Guy G. T'Sjoen MD
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression in a cohort of elderly men as assessed using a 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score and to describe the association between this score and sex steroids, androgen receptor (AR) polymorphism, and general health status. Design: Observational study on the relationship between sex steroid status and health-related parameters. Setting: Community-based. Participants: Ambulatory men (n=236 in 1997, n=192 in 2000) aged 70 and older at inclusion in 1996, interviewed in 1997 and 2000. Measurements: Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), cortisol, and the AR gene cytosine, adenine, guanine (CAG)-repeat length polymorphism were determined. Free testosterone and free estradiol were calculated. Questionnaires included GDS, 36-item Short Form, and Rapid Disability Rating Scale,2. Results: Median age was 75.3 years (interquartile range=73.5,78.5). A GDS score of 11 or greater was found in 30 (12.7%) men. Age and GDS score were significantly interrelated (P<.01), as were all health-assessment scores. GDS scores were not related to (free) testosterone or AR polymorphism in 1997 or 2000. In 1997 only (n=236), higher GDS scores were related to higher estradiol, free estradiol, and DHEAS levels. Conclusion: The data did not support a role for testosterone in depression in elderly community-based men as assessed using the GDS. [source]


Neurosteroid transport by the organic solute transporter OST,,OST,

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2010
Fang Fang
J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 220,233. Abstract A variety of steroids, including pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are synthesized by specific brain cells, and are then delivered to their target sites, where they exert potent effects on neuronal excitability. The present results demonstrate that [3H]DHEAS and [3H]PREGS are relatively high affinity substrates for the organic solute transporter, OST,,OST,, and that the two proteins that constitute this transporter are selectively localized to steroidogenic cells in the cerebellum and hippocampus, namely the Purkinje cells and cells in the cornu ammonis region in both mouse and human brain. Analysis of Ost, and Ost, mRNA levels in mouse Purkinje and hippocampal cells isolated via laser capture microdissection supported these findings. In addition, Ost, -deficient mice exhibited changes in serum DHEA and DHEAS levels, and in tissue distribution of administered [3H]DHEAS. OST, and OST, proteins were also localized to the zona reticularis of human adrenal gland, the major region for DHEAS production in the periphery. These results demonstrate that OST,,OST, is localized to steroidogenic cells of the brain and adrenal gland, and that it modulates DHEA/DHEAS homeostasis, suggesting that it may contribute to neurosteroid action. [source]


Body mass index, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio and change in sex steroid hormones: the Massachusetts Male Ageing Study

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
Carol A. Derby
Summary Objective, Cross-sectional data suggest that obesity, particularly central obesity, may be associated with decreased production of sex steroid hormones in men. However, longitudinal hormone data on men in relation to obesity status are limited. Previous studies have not consistently demonstrated whether sex steroids are associated specifically to body mass index or to measures of central obesity. Our objective was to examine the relation of obesity (body mass index > 30 kg/m2), and of central obesity (waist circumference > 100 cm or waist to hip ratio > 0·95) to longitudinal change in sex steroid hormones in men. Design, Prospective follow-up of a population-based sample of men in Boston. Patients, Nine hundred forty-two (942) men in the Massachusetts Male Ageing Study with complete anthropometry and hormone data at baseline (1987,1989, ages 40,70) and follow-up (1995,1997). Measurements, Free and total testosterone (FT and TT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed using standardized methods. Health behaviours and medical history were obtained by structured interview. Repeated measures regression was used to describe trends in steroid hormones and SHBG in relation to obesity status, adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol, comorbidities, and physical activity. Results, Obesity was associated with decreased levels of total and free testosterone, and of SHBG at follow-up relative to baseline. For any given baseline concentration of TT, FT or SHBG, follow-up levels were lowest among men who remained obese or who became obese during follow-up. This was true for all three indices of obesity. Central adiposity was associated with lower DHEAS levels at follow-up, while elevated body mass index was not. Conclusions, Obesity may predict greater decline in testosterone and SHBG levels with age. Central adiposity may be a more important predictor of decline in DHEAS than is body mass index. [source]


Hypocortisolism in survivors of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
Melvin Khee-Shing Leow
Summary Objective, Following the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, many survivors were observed to suffer from psychosomatic symptoms reminiscent of various endocrine disorders. Hence, we sought to determine the existence of any chronic endocrine sequelae in SARS survivors. Design, patients, measurements, Sixty-one survivors of SARS prospectively recruited were analysed for hormonal derangements 3 months following recovery. Patients with pre-existing endocrine disorders were excluded. Any endocrine abnormalities diagnosed were investigated and treated where indicated up to a year. Serial evaluation facilitated characterization of trends and prognostication of any endocrinological aberrations. Results, Twenty-four (39·3%) patients had evidence of hypocortisolism. The hypothalamic,pituitary,adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction of the majority resolved within a year. Two (3·3%) of the hypocortisolic cohort had transient subclinical thyrotoxicosis. Four (6·7%) were biochemically hypothyroid, being comprised of three with central hypothyroidism and one with primary hypothyroidism. Two of the three with central hypothyroidism had concomitant central hypocortisolism. Eight had subnormal DHEAS levels. Conclusions, These preliminary findings highlight a possible aetiologic role of SARS-associated coronavirus in causing a reversible hypophysitis or direct hypothalamic effect, with the HPA axis affected more frequently than the HPT axis. [source]


Prevalence of adrenal androgen excess in patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 6 2005
Ashim Kumar
Summary Objective, To determine the prevalence of adrenal androgen (AA) excess in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using age- and race-specific normative values. Design, Cross-sectional observational study. Patients, One hundred and eight-two (88 Black and 94 White) age-matched healthy eumenorrhoeic nonhirsute women (controls) and 213 (27 Black and 186 White) women with PCOS were recruited. Measurements, Total testosterone (T), free T, androstenedione (A4), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and SHBG, as well as fasting insulin and glucose, were measured in plasma. Results, The mean total T, free T, A4, DHEAS and body mass index (BMI) were higher in women with PCOS than in control women. DHEAS levels were significantly lower in Black controls than White controls, whereas fasting insulin and BMI were higher in Black controls. In control and Black PCOS women, DHEAS levels did not correlate with BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) or fasting insulin. Among White women with PCOS, DHEAS levels correlated negatively with BMI and fasting insulin. DHEAS levels decreased similarly with age in control and PCOS women of either race. For each race and age group the upper 95% normative values for log DHEAS was calculated, and the number of PCOS subjects with log DHEAS values above this level were assessed. The prevalence of supranormal DHEAS levels was 33·3% and 19·9%, respectively, among Black and White women with PCOS. Conclusions, The prevalence of DHEAS excess is approximately 20% among White and 30% among Black PCOS patients, when using age- and race-adjusted normative values. This study also indicates that the age-associated decline in DHEAS levels is observable and similar in both control and PCOS women, regardless of race. While BMI and fasting insulin had little impact on circulating DHEAS levels in healthy women, among White PCOS patients these parameters were negatively associated with circulating DHEAS levels. [source]