[Dehydroepiandrosterone and brain functioning].

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Neuroscience
• Steroid Hormone Synthesis
• Neurosteroidology

Context:

• Adrenal glands produce dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS) at high levels.
• The physiological role and biological activity of DHEA remain incompletely understood.
• DHEA and DHEAS are synthesized in brain tissue, suggesting neurosteroid functions.

Purpose:

• To review neurosteroid synthesis pathways and regulatory mechanisms.
• To examine the dynamics of neurosteroids under stress conditions.
• To clarify the role of DHEA in brain functions and evaluate DHEAS replacement therapy for CNS disorders.

Summary:

• This review synthesizes current knowledge on DHEA and DHEAS synthesis, regulation, and CNS roles.
• It analyzes experimental and clinical data on DHEA's involvement in brain functions.
• Ambiguous findings regarding DHEAS replacement therapy for Alzheimer's, depression, and memory impairment are discussed.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of DHEA and DHEAS in the central nervous system.
• Highlights the complexity and ongoing research into neurosteroid functions.
• Informs future research directions for neurosteroid replacement therapies and understanding brain function.