Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone replacement on lipoprotein profile in hypoadrenal women
Manivannan Srinivasan1, Brian A Irving, Ketan Dhatariya
1Division of Endocrinology, Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation,, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Context:
Levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate form (DHEAS) are inversely associated with cardiovascular mortality in men but not women. Very little evidence is available on the impact of DHEA administration on lipoprotein profile in women. DHEAS levels are very low/undetectable in hypoadrenal women.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to determine the impact of DHEA replacement on lipoprotein profile in hypoadrenal women.
Design And Setting:
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design study was conducted at the Mayo Clinic.
Participants:
Thirty-three hypoadrenal Caucasian women (mean +/- sd; age 50.3 +/- 15.2 yr, body mass index 26.6 +/- 4.4 kg/m(2)) took part in the study.
Intervention:
Study participants were assigned to receive either a placebo or 50 mg/d of DHEA for 3 months each. Lipid levels and lipoprotein profile were analyzed using the Lipo Science Lipoprotein nuclear magnetic resonance system.
Main Outcome Measures:
Changes in various lipoprotein sizes and levels were measured.
Results:
The DHEA period had higher plasma DHEAS levels than during placebo (<0.3 +/- 0.0 vs. 3.5 +/- 1.3 nmol/liter, P < 0.001). DHEA replacement significantly reduced total cholesterol (20.0 vs. -22, P = 0.02) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (2.0 vs. -6.0, P = 0.006) and tends to reduce triglyceride and total low-density lipoprotein levels. Although, DHEA replacement had no effect on low-density lipoprotein particle size, it significantly reduced larger HDL particles and to modest extent small HDL particles.
Conclusions:
Our study findings showed that oral DHEA administration in hypoadrenal women results in an unfavorable lipoprotein profile. The results warrant long-term studies to determine the impact of DHEA replacement on cardiovascular risk.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:28Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...