7-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone epimers in the life span

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• 7-hydroxyepimers of dehydroepiandrosterone (7-OH-DHEA) are known to possess immunomodulatory and immunoprotective properties.
• Previous research established the presence of 7alpha-OH-DHEA in human blood but lacked data on its age-related changes.
• The specific radioimmunoassays for 7-OH-DHEA epimers were recently developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the age-dependent changes in serum levels of 7alpha- and 7beta-OH-DHEA in humans.
• To compare the age-related patterns of 7-OH-DHEA levels between males and females.
• To explore the relationship between 7-OH-DHEA epimer levels and age.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 252 males (10-91 years) and 172 females (10-72 years) were analyzed.
• Specific radioimmunoassays were used to quantify 7alpha- and 7beta-OH-DHEA.
• Polynomial fitting (4th or 5th degree) was employed to evaluate age dependence.

Main Results:

• Serum 7-OH-DHEA levels showed a distinct decline with age in males.
• Females exhibited two local maxima in 7-OH-DHEA levels around ages 22 and 53.
• Age-dependent curves for 7-OH-DHEA resembled those of unconjugated DHEA, with a notable difference in the timing of the second peak in women.

Conclusions:

• Serum levels of 7-OH-DHEA epimers exhibit distinct age-related patterns that differ between sexes.
• The findings suggest a complex interplay between aging, sex hormones, and the immunomodulatory roles of 7-OH-DHEA.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the physiological significance of these observed age and sex differences.