Serum DHEAS Levels Research Articles

Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) enhances visual-spatial performance in postmenopausal women.

The current article examines the effect of administering dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on visual-spatial performance in postmenopausal women (N = 24, ages 55-80). The concurrent reduction of serum DHEA levels and visual-spatial performance in this population, coupled with the documented effects of DHEA's androgenic metabolites on visual-spatial performance, suggests that DHEA administration may enhance visual-spatial performance. The current experiment used a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design in which 50 mg of oral DHEA was administered daily in the drug condition to explore this hypothesis. Performance on the Mental Rotation, Subject-Ordered Pointing, Fragmented Picture Identification, Perceptual Identification, Same-Different Judgment, and Visual Search tasks and serum levels of DHEA, DHEAS, testosterone, estrone, and cortisol were measured in the DHEA and placebo conditions. In contrast to prior experiments using the current methodology that did not demonstrate effects of DHEA administration on episodic and short-term memory tasks, the current experiment demonstrated large beneficial effects of DHEA administration on Mental Rotation, Subject-Ordered Pointing, Fragmented Picture Identification, Perceptual Identification, and Same-Different Judgment. Moreover, DHEA administration enhanced serum levels of DHEA, DHEAS, testosterone, and estrone, and regression analyses demonstrated that levels of DHEA and its metabolites were positively related to cognitive performance on the visual-spatial tasks in the DHEA condition.

Gender-Specific Asthma Treatment

Because genetic characteristics vary among subjects, the therapeutic effects of a certain drug differ among patients with the same disease. For this reason, special interest has focused on tailored treatments. Although it is well known that sex is genetically determined, little attention has been paid to sex differences in the clinical features and treatment of asthma. Females are more likely to suffer allergic asthma, to have difficulty controlling asthma symptoms, and to show adverse effects to drugs. As asthma symptoms show cyclic changes depending on female hormone levels in many women of child-bearing age, the use of contraceptives may specifically help to treat female patients with asthma such as those with perimenstrual asthma and severe asthma. Generally, testosterone seems to suppress asthma, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a less virilizing androgen, may be effective for treating asthma. Evidence exists for a therapeutic and steroid-sparing effect of DHEA. However, further studies on the optimal dose and route of DHEA for each sex are needed. Monitoring of the serum DHEA-S level is necessary for patients with asthma on inhaled steroid treatment, and at minimum, replacement therapy for patients with a low level of DHEA may be helpful for treating their asthma.

Neurosteroid transport by the organic solute transporter OSTα–OSTβ

A variety of steroids, including pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are synthesized by specific brain cells, and are then delivered to their target sites, where they exert potent effects on neuronal excitability. The present results demonstrate that [(3)H]DHEAS and [(3)H]PREGS are relatively high affinity substrates for the organic solute transporter, OSTα-OSTβ, and that the two proteins that constitute this transporter are selectively localized to steroidogenic cells in the cerebellum and hippocampus, namely the Purkinje cells and cells in the cornu ammonis region in both mouse and human brain. Analysis of Ostα and Ostβ mRNA levels in mouse Purkinje and hippocampal cells isolated via laser capture microdissection supported these findings. In addition, Ostα-deficient mice exhibited changes in serum DHEA and DHEAS levels, and in tissue distribution of administered [(3)H]DHEAS. OSTα and OSTβ proteins were also localized to the zona reticularis of human adrenal gland, the major region for DHEAS production in the periphery. These results demonstrate that OSTα-OSTβ is localized to steroidogenic cells of the brain and adrenal gland, and that it modulates DHEA/DHEAS homeostasis, suggesting that it may contribute to neurosteroid action.

Lower circulating levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, independent of insulin resistance, is an important determinant of severity of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in Japanese patients

The biological basis of variability in histological progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unknown. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the most abundant steroid hormone, has been shown to influence sensitivity to reactive oxygen species, insulin sensitivity and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α. Our aim was to determine whether more histologically advanced NAFLD is associated with low circulating levels of DHEA in Japanese patients. Serum samples were obtained in 133 Japanese patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and in 399 sex- and age-matched healthy people undergoing health checkups. Serum levels of sulfated DHEA (DHEA-S) were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Serum DHEA-S levels in NAFLD patients were similar to those in the control group. Of 133 patients, 90 patients were diagnosed as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): 73 patients had stage 0-2, and 17 had stage 3 or 4. Patients with advanced NAFLD (NASH with fibrosis stage 3 or 4) had lower plasma levels of DHEA-S than patients with mild NAFLD (simple steatosis or NASH with fibrosis stage 0-2). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for DHEA in separating patients with and without advanced fibrosis was 0.788. A "dose effect" of lower DHEA-S and incremental fibrosis stage was observed with a mean DHEA-S of 170.4 ± 129.2, 137.6 ± 110.5, 96.2 ± 79.3, 61.2 ± 46.3 and 30.0 ± 32.0 µg/dL for fibrosis stages 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The association between DHEA-S and severity of NAFLD persisted after adjusting for age, sex and insulin resistance. Low circulating DHEA-S might have a role in the development of advanced NASH.

No evidence to support the concept that low serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate (S) levels are associated with less oocyte production or lower pregnancy rates

OBJECTIVE: Some studies suggest that low levels of DHEA are associated with diminished development of mature follicles and thus yield of oocytes and lower pregnancy rates (PRs). The objective of the present study was to determine if we could corroborate or refute this aforementioned concept. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women aged <40 who had diminished oocyte reserve as evidenced by a day 3 serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level >12 mIU/mL and who were undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) had DHEA sulfate levels drawn before any follicle stimulating drugs were started. Mean DHEA-s levels (ng/dL) were determined according to whether the woman was a relatively poor responder (<4 oocytes retrieved) or a relatively good responder (>5 oocytes). Also, DHEA-s levels were compared in those achieving a pregnancy vs. those who did not. Only the first IVF cycle was evaluated to determine oocyte response. Also DHEA levels were compared in those conceiving vs. not within three ETs. RESULTS: There were 39 first IVF-ET cycles with <4 eggs and 14 with >5. The mean serum DHEA-s level for the <4 group was 148.0+82.8 for the non-pregnant group vs. 143.9+47.7 for the pregnant ones. Comparable data for the >5 group were 138.5+26.4 vs. 103.5+41.9 (p=NS, ANOVA). The mean DHEA-s was 70.4+23.2 for the 10 lowest values vs. 243.2+64.4 for the 10 highest values (p=<.05, ANOVA). The clinical (ultrasound at 8 weeks) and live delivered PRs for the low group were 40.0 and 30.0% vs. 20 and 20% for the highest group (p=NS, Fisher's exact test). Given 3 cycles to conceive, 52 had positive pregnancy tests and 86 had negative tests. The mean DHEA-s levels were 140.7+57.3 for those who conceived vs. 154.1+91.4 for those not conceiving (p=NS, ANOVA). CONCLUSION: These data do not support the concept that low DHEA-s levels may produce fewer oocytes following IVF-ET or can negatively impact pregnancy rates.

Elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate level correlates with increased risk for metabolic syndrome in the elderly men

The previous studies regarding the association between endogenous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulphate level and metabolic syndrome are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate such relationship in elderly Taiwanese men. Five hundred and eighty-five elderly Taiwanese men (mean age 68.7 +/- 8.3 years) were enrolled as the baseline cohort population in 2000. In addition to a questionnaire, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipids, albumin and serum DHEA-S levels were measured for each participant. Metabolic syndrome was based on the definition by the America Heart Association/National Heart Lung Blood Institute. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 33.3%. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses with adjustments for age, smoking, alcohol, physical activities, albumin and BMI, there was a positive relationship between serum DHEA-S level and metabolic syndrome. The highest DHEA-S quartile group had increased risk for metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 2.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.44-5.01, P < 0.01) compared with the lowest quartile group. The mean serum DHEA-S level increased with increasing number of metabolic syndrome components. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases with elevated DHEA-S levels among elderly Taiwanese men. Thus, elevated serum DHEA-S level should be treated as an important risk factor for metabolic syndrome in elderly men.

Combined Treatment with Buserelin+Cabergoline in Patient with Prostate Cancer and Pituitary Macroprolactinoma

Twelve years following hemicolectomy for colon adenocarcinoma, a 75-year-old patient with prostate cancer was treated for 4 weeks with the antiandrogen nilutamide and then with the long-acting GnRH agonist buserelin. The serum testosterone and prostate-specific antigen levels had decreased dramatically after 3 months of treatment. After 2 years of buserelin administration, the hormonal state was examined. Serum estradiol, testosterone, DHEA, DHEAS, FSH and LH levels proved to be suppressed, but the serum PRL concentration was extremely high (3 365 mIU/l). The pituitary MRI revealed a macroadenoma. The patient was treated with the dopamine agonist cabergoline, together with buserelin. After 9 months of this combined treatment, the prostate-specific antigen and testosterone levels were very low; the serum estradiol, DHEA, DHEAS, FSH and LH concentrations remained suppressed. The serum PRL level fell dramatically to 6.95 mIU/l, and a significant reduction in tumor size was observed on MRI. In conclusion: Combined buserelin + cabergoline treatment proved a highly successful procedure to cure this patient with prostate carcinoma and subsequent pituitary macroprolactinoma.

Androgen Co-therapy In Menopause

Menopause is associated with various hormonal changes, including androgen deficiency. This review discusses the place of androgen therapy in the management of menopause, including the pitfalls in diagnosis, the confusion surrounding androgen prescription, and the reasons behind this controversy. HORMONAL CHANGES IN MENOPAUSE Menopause is associated with a variety of endocrine changes (1). These lead to a reduction in sexuality and well-being (2). The changes include: Decline in growth hormone. This begins prior to 1. ovarian failure, and is a normal part of life. It is accelerated during peri-menopause, and itself may accelerate ovarian failure. Fibrosis of thyroid gland, and a decline in serum 2. T3 of 25% to 40%, though most post menopausal women remain clinically euthyroid. Reduction in estrogen levels, with the predominant 3. estrogen being the less potent estrone, derived from peripheral conversion of androstenedione in the liver, fat and some hypothalamic nuclei. Fall in serum DHEA and DHEAS levels, which are 4. greater in women than men, and may be due to the relative estrogen deprivation. Decline in androgen production. The production of 5. the predominant androgen, androstenedione, declines from 1500 to 800pg/ml, with only 20% being contributed by the ovary in post menopausal women. Post menopausal testosterone levels are also lower 6. than those in premenopausal women, with the decline beginning around age 30.Testosterone levels at age 40 are half those at age 21. At menopause, a 15% decline occurs in testosterone and androstenedione. Dihydrotestosterone, the most potent of 7. endogenous androgens, decreases by 44% between the third and eighth decade. This decline is associated with reductions in metabolic concentrations.

Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on fatigue and well-being in women with quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been reported to improve fatigue and reduced well-being. Both are major problems in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), even with quiescent disease. Low serum DHEA levels...

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in follicular fluid (FF) correlates negatively with parameters of IVF outcomes

OBJECTIVE: Adrenal androgens contribute to ovarian steroidogenesis. While oral supplements of DHEA have been suggested to improve ovarian responses to gonadotropin in poor IVF responders, there is no such correlation with endogenous levels of serum DHEAS. Our purpose was to determine if FF levels of DHEA or DHEAS are important correlates of steroidogenesis and IVF outcomes.

An Evaluation of the Neuroendocrine Response to Sleep in Pediatric Burn Patients

Previous work demonstrated reduced stage 3+4 and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep following burn injury. This study evaluated the hormonal effects of drug intervention on measures of endocrine status. A secondary objective examined the relationship between hormones and sleep stage distribution. Forty patients 3-18 years of age with a mean percent total body surface area burn of 50.1 +/- 2.9 were randomly assigned to zolpidem or haloperidol utilizing a blinded crossover design. Polysomnography was performed 6 nights, 3/week over 2 weeks. Each week's first night of monitoring was conducted without medication, serving as a baseline. Hormonal levels (epinephrine, norepinephrine, growth hormone, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], serotonin, cortisol) were obtained at 0600 h each study day. Both drugs were associated with increased DHEA levels (P < .03); no other hormones were affected by medication. Significant inverse correlation was observed between REM sleep and epinephrine (r = -.34, P = .004) and norepinephrine levels (r = -.45, P = .02). A positive relationship existed between serotonin and sleep stage 3+4 (r = 0.24, P = .01) and REM (r = 0.48, P = .01). No other significant associations were identified between hormones and sleep. This work characterizes the relationship between sleep deprivation and select endocrine parameters postburn. Drug interventions utilized in this study were either ineffective or insufficient in modulating improved hormonal response. Significance of zolpidem's and haloperidol's effect on serum levels of DHEA is unclear. The inverse correlation of epinephrine with REM may suggest that hypermetabolism associated with burns is partly due to lack of REM sleep. Questions remain regarding the effects of sleep deprivation on metabolism and clinical outcome.

Reference Ranges for Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Testosterone in Adult Men

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the main adrenal androgen, which mostly exists in a sulfated version (DHEAS). Both DHEA and DHEAS are metabolic intermediates in the biosynthesis of the male sex hormone testosterone. In men, testosterone is involved in the regulation of fertility, libido, and muscle mass and is valuable for the assessment of gonadal, adrenal, and pituitary function and for the diagnosis of hypogonadism. The objective of the present study was to calculate age-specific reference ranges for serum DHEAS and serum testosterone using 1) linear regression and the mean +/- 1.96 standard deviation concept and 2) quantile regression. From the cross-sectional Study of Health in Pomerania a total of 1078 men aged 20-79 years were included in the analyses. Serum DHEAS and testosterone levels were quantified using IMMULITE 2500 immunoassays. Linear and quantile regression were performed to calculate age-specific reference ranges. Both statistical methods generated different results: The reference ranges based on linear regression identified 17 men (1.6%) with DHEAS levels and 45 men (4.2%) with serum testosterone levels outside the reference range. Using quantile regression, 54 men (5.0%) and 50 men (4.6%) with serum DHEAS and testosterone levels outside the range were detected, respectively. The present study established age-specific reference ranges for serum DHEAS and testosterone levels for men. Quantile regression should be preferred to calculate reference ranges; a better concordance with original data is possible because no distribution assumption is required and the robustness against outliers is given.

P.4.a.014 Serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels in PTSD patients versus controls: correlations to panic-agoraphobic spectrum symptoms

Impairment in sexual function is frequent and underestimated in patients with mental disorders, particularly in those with mood disorders. Few studies have examined the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and the clinical characteristics of mood disorders.The aim of the present study was to explore the frequency of sexual dysfunctions in patients with bipolar I disorder (BD) and unipolar depression (UD) with respect to control subjects, as well as their relationship with suicidality.Assessments included: the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (SCID‐I/P), the 24‐item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Mood Spectrum Self‐Report, a questionnaire exploring lifetime mood spectrum symptomatology including symptoms of sexual functioning and suicidality.A consecutive sample of 142 patients (60 BD and 82 UD) and a comparison group of 101 control subjects were recruited in a multicenter study involving 11 academic departments of psychiatry.Lifetime impairment in the sexual response cycle, including desire, excitement, and ability to achieve orgasm, was significantly more common in patients with mood disorders compared with control subjects. Increase in sexual activity and promiscuity were significantly more common in patients with BD vs. the other two groups.Lifetime dysfunctions in all three phases of the sexual response cycle explored were significantly associated with lifetime suicide attempts in patients with BD and with thoughts of death in patients with UD. In BD patients, the lifetime presence of periods with frequent changes of sexual partners was significantly associated with thoughts of death.Our findings suggest the importance of assessing sexual dysfunctions in patients with either BD or UD, as they may be clinically helpful in identifying phenotypes of mood disorders characterized by high suicidality. Dell'Osso L, Carmassi C, Carlini M, Rucci P, Torri P, Cesari D, Landi P, Ciapparelli A, and Maggi M. Sexual dysfunctions and suicidality in patients with bipolar disorder and unipolar depression.

Goserelin plus anastrozole (G+A) as first-line systemic therapy for premenopausal estrogen receptor positive (ER+) advanced breast cancer (ABC)— clinical and endocrine data

1091 Background: Trials have shown superiority of aromatase inhibitors over tamoxifen for postmenopausal ER+ ABC. We previously reported the use of G+A as second-line endocrine therapy for premenopausal ER+ ABC. We report clinical and endocrine data from G+A as first-line systemic therapy. Methods: Thirty-six patients (median age = 44 [30–59] years) with UICC assessable disease (metastatic = 30; else = locally advanced) were administered G+A (3.6 mg 4-weekly + 1 mg daily respectively) for ≥6 months (unless progressed prior). Serum estradiol, DHEAS, testosterone, FSH and LH levels were measured by standardized and sensitive (estradiol only) hormone assays in six patients who consented for blood samples. Results: Thirty-two patients (67%) derived clinical benefit (CB) (5% complete response, 31% partial response, 31% stable disease for ≥6 months) with median time-to-progression and duration of CB of 7(2–48) and 23+(6–64+) months, respectively. Therapy was well tolerated with no withdrawals. Thirteen patients...

Acute Effect of Mountaineering on TNF-alpha and Insulin Sensitivity

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of three-day mountain climbing on hormone level and insulin sensitivity. Ten non-obesity and prime-age males (age 31.6±1.6yrs, BMI 24.4±0.8) were participated in this study. METHODS: Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on the pre- and three day of mountain Wu-Ling climbing (altitude 2200-3400m). Fasting blood samples before OGTT were taken for measuring serum cortisol, testosterone, growth hormone (GH), erythropoietin (EPO), DHEA-s and TNF-α level. RESULTS: Three-day mountain climbing improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, significantly elevated serum testosterone, GH, EPO, TNF-α level, and decreased DHEA-s. CONCLUSIONS: Three-day mountain climbing simproved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and this improvement was associated with changed hormone level. Muscle damage by mountain climbing could affect glucose tolerance.

GUEST EDITORIAL: Female Sexual Dysfunction and the Central Nervous System

The objective of the present phase III, placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective and randomized study was to confirm the efficacy of daily intravaginal administration of 0.50% dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; prasterone) ovules for 12 weeks on moderate to severe dyspareunia (or pain at sexual activity) as most bothersome symptom of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) while having serum steroid concentrations within normal postmenopausal values. To this end, serum levels of DHEA, DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S), Androst-5-ene-diol-3β, 17β-diol (5-diol), testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione (4-dione), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estrone sulfate (E1-S), androsterone glucuronide (ADT-G), and androstane-3α, 17β-diol 17-glucuronide (3α-diol-17G) were measured by validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). In agreement with the mechanisms of intracrinology, all serum sex steroids and metabolites concentrations after 12 weeks of daily intravaginal administration of 0.50% DHEA remain well within the limits of normal postmenopausal women. More specifically, the 12-week serum E2 concentration was measured at 22% below the average normal postmenopausal value (3.26 versus 4.17 pg/ml), thus eliminating any fear of E2 exposure outside the vagina. In addition, serum E1-S, a particularly reliable indicator of global estrogenic activity, shows serum levels practically superimposable to the value observed in normal postmenopausal women (219 versus 220 pg/ml). Similarly, serum ADT-G, the major metabolite of androgens, remains within normal postmenopausal values.The present data confirm the intracellular transformation of DHEA in the vagina resulting in local efficacy without any systemic exposure to sex steroids, observations which are in agreement with the physiological mechanisms of menopause.

7018 POSTER Evaluation of serum IL-6, DHEA and DHEAS levels in comparison with two conventional metastatic markers in melanoma

7018 POSTER Evaluation of serum IL-6, DHEA and DHEAS levels in comparison with two conventional metastatic markers in melanoma

Hipoandrogenismo adrenal y testicular en la distrofia miotónica

Background Myotonic dystrophy type 1(DM1) is the most common inherited form of muscle dystrophy among adults. The genetic defect causing DM1 is an expansion of a CTG triplet repeat at chromosome 19, encoding a protein kinase named DMPK. Primary male hypogonadism is one of the most frequent endocrine disturbances associated with DM1 but there are controversial data among the levels of SHBG and estradiol in men and androstenedione in both sexes. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate gonadal function in men and adrenal function in both men and women with DM1. Patients and methods We studied 25 myotonic dystrophy patients (13 males and 12 females) and 25 sex and age matched normal controls. Morning serum levels of DHEAS and androstenedione were determined in all subjects whereas levels of PRL, FSH, LH, total and free testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, and a GnRH test were performed only in male patients. GnRH test were not performed in control subjects. CTG triplet repeat expansions were quantified by PCR and Southern blot. Results Morning serum levels of DHEAS were significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.001) in DM1 patients of both sexes whereas basal levels of serum androstenedione did not differ between patients and controls. We confirmed the primary male hypogonadism in DM1 and we also observed levels of serum estradiol and SHBG significantly decreased (p < 0.01 in both cases) in male patients. Discussion We suggest that glandular (adrenal and testicular) failure is related to the abnormality of the AMPc dependent-protein kinase caused by the genetic mutation. It is possible that hormonal interactions and other factors related to insulin resistance may have contributed to the enzymatic disturbances causing clinical and laboratory alterations observed in this study.

Rosiglitazone treatment increases plasma levels of adiponectin and decreases levels of resistin in overweight women with PCOS: a randomized placebo-controlled study

Abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinaemia play a central role in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Abdominal adipose tissue is a source of adipokines, such as adiponectin and resistin, both of which may be involved in the development of insulin resistance and chronic inflammation in PCOS. Ghrelin, an important regulatory peptide of food intake, may also play a role in metabolic disturbances related to PCOS. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 4 months of treatment with the insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone on plasma adiponectin, resistin and ghrelin levels in overweight women with PCOS. A randomised placebo-controlled study. Thirty overweight/obese women with PCOS (body mass index>25 kg/m(2), mean age 29.1+/- 1.2 (S.E.M.) years) were randomly allocated to either rosiglitazone (Avandia, 4 mg twice a day) or placebo treatment. Plasma levels of adiponectin, resistin and ghrelin and their correlation to serum levels of insulin, C-peptide and steroid hormones, and insulin sensitivity (euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp) were assessed. Adiponectin and ghrelin levels correlated significantly with most metabolic markers of insulin resistance and with serum levels of DHEA and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Plasma levels of adiponectin increased from 9.26+/-0.90 (S.E.M.) to 22.22+/-3.66 microg/ml (P<0.001) and those of resistin decreased from 12.57+/-1.63 to 9.21+/-0.53 ng/ml (P=0.009) at 4 months of treatment, but plasma ghrelin levels did not change. Rosiglitazone had beneficial effects on serum levels of adiponectin and resistin, suggesting that these adipocytokines may contribute to the improvement in insulin sensitivity observed during the treatment.

Gender differences of acute and chronic administration of dehydroepiandrosterone in rats submitted to the forced swimming test

Previous pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating the antidepressant potential of DHEA revealed conflicting results. In this study, the effects of exogenous DHEA on performance in the forced swimming test (FST) were examined in male and female Wistar rats in different phases of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, the effects of treatment and of the FST, on corticosterone and DHEA serum levels were investigated. Acute administration of DHEA (2 mg/kg) significantly increased freezing only in proestrus female rats. Similarly, the chronic administration of DHEA (2 mg/kg) increased freezing duration and decreased climbing behavior but only in females in diestrus II compared to those given vehicle. These results demonstrate that chronically administered DHEA induces a depressant-like effect, and this effect is sex dependent. There was no direct correlation between corticosterone levels or the corticosterone/DHEA ratio and the behaviors studied. After the FST, serum DHEA and corticosterone levels were increased, with females showing higher DHEA levels than males. Nevertheless, corticosterone levels were unaltered with chronic procedure; an effect that was independent of sex and treatment. These findings are relevant for research examining alternative treatment for depression and may elucidate the gender differences involved in stress-related diseases.