Abstract P014: Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated with Low Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate

Abstract

Introduction: Low dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels recently have been related to elevated risk of ischemic stroke. However, the association between DHEAS and traditional cardiovascular risk factors remains unclear. Methods: Blood samples were collected in 1989-1990 among 32,826 participants of the Nurses’ Health Study. Samples were assayed for DHEAS, lipids, and other biomarkers as part of a nested case control study evaluating risk of ischemic stroke and 340 stroke-free controls with complete data were available. Lifestyle covariates were ascertained in 1988. Stepwise logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of between CVD risk factors and low DHEAS (<42 μ g/dL), while stepwise linear regression was used to evaluate the association with continuous DHEAS. Stepwise models utilized an entry threshold of α=0.20 and exit criterion of α=0.10. Results: The mean level of DHEAS was 78.38 μ g/dL (s.d. 50.02; median=67.03) in this population of women aged 43-69 years (median=62). Age was strongly associated with lower DHEAS. Women with history of heart disease and higher total/HDL cholesterol were more likely to have low DHEAS. In stepwise logistic regression analyses, age (OR=2.94; 95%CI: 1.73-5.00 for 10 yrs) and history of heart disease (OR=1.84; 95% CI: 0.91-3.70) were identified as risk factors for low DHEAS. In stepwise linear regression modeling, age, postmenopausal hormone use, history of heart disease and C-reactive protein (CRP) were associated with lower DHEAS levels while alcohol use was associated with higher DHEAS levels (Table 1). Body mass index, smoking, diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipids were not associated with low DHEAS. Conclusions: In this population of healthy women, lower levels of DHEAS were associated with older age, history of heart disease, postmenopausal hormone use, higher CRP and lower levels of alcohol consumption. Further research is needed to explore these associations. Table 1 Multivariable * adjusted estimates for DHEAS by cardiovascular disease risk factors DHEAS (continuous μ g/dL) β † 95%CI Age ‡ −28.40 −36.75, -20.05 History of Heart disease −18.76 −39.23, 1.71 Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Use & −12.01 −21.99, -2.04 CRP £ (mg/L) −0.66 −1.37, 0.04 Alcohol # (g/day) 2.95 0.46, 5.45 * All variables mutually adjusted for one another † Estimated from stepwise logistic regression model ‡ per 10 year increase in age & Ref = No use of postmenopausal hormone therapy £ per 1 unit increase in C-reactive protein (CRP- mg/L) # per 5 unit increase in alcohol consumption (g/day)