Influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on cholesterol metabolism in rats

Wistar rats were fed semipurified diets containing 0.5% of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for 14 days. DHEA feeding resulted in weight loss and slight liver enlargement. It did not affect serum triglyceride levels but increased serum cholesterol levels. Liver triglyceride levels of DHEA-fed rats were significantly lower than in controls. DHEA inhibited cholesterol absorption. Liver slices from DHEA-fed rats incorporated more acetate into cholesterol than controls; there were no differences in conversion of mevalonate.