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Dehydroepiandrosterone and coronary atherosclerosis
1Section of Cardiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|December 29, 1995
Summary
Low dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels are linked to increased coronary atherosclerosis and allograft vasculopathy. Higher DHEA levels may protect against these conditions, suggesting a potential therapeutic role.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exhibits antiproliferative effects, suggesting a potential role in inhibiting atherosclerosis.
- Previous studies indicate a possible link between DHEA and cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels and coronary atherosclerosis.
- To examine the association between DHEA levels and the development of coronary allograft vasculopathy.
Main Methods:
- Plasma DHEA and DHEAS levels were measured in 206 middle-aged patients undergoing coronary angiography.
- DHEA levels were assessed in 61 cardiac allograft recipients with follow-up cardiac catheterization.
Main Results:
- Lower plasma DHEAS levels were observed in patients with significant coronary stenosis.
- Plasma DHEAS and DHEA levels were inversely associated with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary allograft vasculopathy.
- Low DHEA levels correlated with a shorter time to the development of accelerated allograft vasculopathy.
Conclusions:
- Low plasma DHEA levels may promote the development of coronary atherosclerosis and coronary allograft vasculopathy.
- Higher DHEA levels appear to have a protective effect against these cardiovascular conditions.