Neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses to DHEA administration in young healthy women

Abstract

DHEA is reported to have beneficial effects for the elderly and for several pathologies because of its behavioral and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these properties have never been investigated in a young healthy population. The purpose of this double-blind, randomized study was therefore to investigate the effects of short-term DHEA administration (100 mg/day/4 weeks) on neuroendocrine (i.e., beta-endorphin and prolactin) and inflammatory (i.e., interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha) parameters in 10 young healthy female volunteers with regular sports practice. In parallel, the stress state was assessed with the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. DHEA administration did not alter prolactin, interleukin-6 or TNF-alpha, and no significant change in tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue or confusion was noted. However, beta-endorphin levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the DHEA treatment. The results of this investigation indicate that short-term DHEA administration improves neuroendocrine modulation but does not affect the inflammatory status or psychological state in recreationally trained female athletes. Further studies are needed to determine the exact mechanisms and the responses of these parameters to DHEA administration at higher dosages and/or for longer durations, especially in response to physical/psychological stress.