Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
06:24
Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies
Published on: January 10, 2025
[Dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA(S)]: anabolic hormone?]
Michele Luci1, Giorgio Valenti, Marcello Maggio
1Sezione di Geriatria, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Scienze Biomediche, Università di Parma.
Recenti Progressi in Medicina
|January 28, 2011
Summary
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) plays a role in body composition and aging, but its anabolic effects require further study. A comprehensive analysis of hormonal imbalances is crucial for understanding age-related decline.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gerontology
- Metabolism
Background:
- The anabolic role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form (DHEAS) remains a subject of scientific debate.
- DHEA and DHEAS are crucial hormones involved in various physiological processes, including aging and metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological secretion and metabolism of DHEA.
- To analyze observational and intervention studies on DHEA's effects in humans.
- To explore DHEA's role in age-related conditions and its predictive value for mortality.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of observational and intervention studies.
- Analysis of DHEA secretion and peripheral metabolism.
- Examination of human studies focusing on body composition, aging, and frailty.
Main Results:
- Observational studies show inconsistent relationships between DHEA levels and age-related changes in muscle and bone, with differing effects in men and women.
- Intervention studies indicate positive effects of DHEA treatment on body composition parameters.
- Emerging evidence links DHEA to frailty syndrome and mortality prediction.
Conclusions:
- DHEA's role as an anabolic hormone is complex and requires further investigation.
- A holistic approach considering multiple hormonal systems (sex steroids, GH-IGF-1) is necessary for a complete understanding of age-related hormonal dysregulation.
- Future research should focus on the interplay of various hormones rather than isolated hormonal deficiencies.
More Related Videos
12:10Protocols for Visualizing Steroidogenic Organs and Their Interactive Organs with Immunostaining in the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: April 14, 2017
06:18An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
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...
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...
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
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...
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...
02:13Types of Hormones
Hormones can be classified into three main types based on their chemical structures: steroids, peptides, and amines. Their actions are mediated by the specific receptors they bind to on target cells.
01:21Types of Hormones
Hormones are classified into four main groups: steroids, eicosanoids, amino acid-based derivatives, and peptide hormones.
Steroids and eicosanoids fall under the category of lipid-soluble hormones. Steroids are derived from cholesterol and feature four interconnected carbon rings with variable side chains. Notable examples include estradiol from ovaries and testosterone from testes, exemplifying the critical roles of these lipid-soluble hormones in reproductive physiology. Eicosanoids, derived...
Steroids and eicosanoids fall under the category of lipid-soluble hormones. Steroids are derived from cholesterol and feature four interconnected carbon rings with variable side chains. Notable examples include estradiol from ovaries and testosterone from testes, exemplifying the critical roles of these lipid-soluble hormones in reproductive physiology. Eicosanoids, derived...