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Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate linked to physiologic response against hot spring immersion
Jung-Shi Wang1, Shu-Man Chen, Shu-Ping Lee
1Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, TPEC, Taipei, Taiwan.
Steroids
|July 15, 2009
Summary
Hot spring bathing may induce insulin resistance in individuals with lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels. This response is linked to increased stress hormones like cortisol.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Human Physiology
- Stress Response
Background:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is linked to longevity and stress adaptation in humans.
- Understanding DHEA-S's role in heat stress response is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of hot spring immersion on insulin resistance markers.
- To examine the relationship between baseline dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels and these effects.
- To elucidate DHEA-S's role in coping with heat stress.
Main Methods:
- 16 male subjects underwent a 30-minute hot spring immersion at 41°C.
- Subjects were divided into low and high baseline DHEA-S groups.
- Measurements included glucose, insulin, blood pressure, and stress hormones (growth hormone, testosterone, cortisol) pre- and post-immersion.
Main Results:
- Hot spring immersion increased heart rate and decreased diastolic blood pressure, with a parallel drop in DHEA-S.
- Insulin resistance markers (HOMA-IR, GAUC) increased significantly only in the Low DHEA-S group.
- Cortisol levels increased by 95% in the Low DHEA-S group and decreased by 33% in the High DHEA-S group.
Conclusions:
- Hot spring bathing can induce insulin resistance, specifically in individuals with lower DHEA-S levels.
- This effect may be mediated by the stress response, indicated by elevated cortisol levels in the Low DHEA-S group.
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