Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and bone mineral density

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Bone Metabolism
• Gerontology

Background:

• Adrenal androgen output alterations may influence bone mass.
• Investigating the link between bone density and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) is crucial for understanding bone health.
• Previous data suggest a potential role for adrenal androgens in bone mass regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels in women.
• To determine if DHEAS has a non-estrogenic effect on bone health.
• To assess the association between low DHEAS levels and the risk of low BMD.

Main Methods:

• Studied 105 women (aged 45-69, 76 postmenopausal, 29 perimenopausal).
• Measured bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (lumbar spine, femoral neck).
• Measured bone mineral content (BMC) using single photon absorptiometry (radius midshaft) and serum DHEAS levels.

Main Results:

• Serum DHEAS levels were significantly lower in women with low BMD compared to those with normal BMD (1.91 vs. 4.77 mumol/l, p < 0.001).
• Serum DHEAS levels decreased significantly with age in both normal and low BMD groups.
• A significant positive relationship was found between DHEAS levels and BMD (lumbar spine, femoral neck) and BMC (radius), even after correcting for age.

Conclusions:

• Serum DHEAS levels are positively associated with bone mineral density and content in women.
• DHEAS may exert a non-estrogenic effect on bone, contributing to bone health.
• Low serum DHEAS levels (< 3.3 mumol/l) significantly increase the odds of having low BMD (Odds Ratio = 40).