Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on cortisol, leptin, adiponectin, and liver enzyme levels: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised clinical trials

Abstract

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated derivative, DHEA sulphate (DHEA-S), are among the most plentiful hormones in human beings. 1 DHEA is an adrenal hormone that has an essential role as a precursor to the peripheral biosynthesis of androgens and oestrogens. 2 Physiologically, DHEA concentrations typically climax in the third decade of life and then gradually decrease thereafter. 1,2 DHEA is also recognised as a "neurosteroid" 3 and its supplementation in elderly people has been linked to many benefits towards neurocognitive functions, including the capacity to carry out undertakings of daily living, 4 the expression of well-being feelings 5 and the enhanced performance of long-term memory. 6 Additionally, DHEA has been depicted to elicit anti-oxidant, 7 antiinflammatory, 8 lipid-lowering 7 and insulin-sensitising effects. 8 The abovementioned properties allow DHEA to emerge as a plausible

Correlation of dehydroepiandrosterone with diabetic nephropathy and its clinical value in early detection

“…We speculate that the correlation between DHEA and BMI might only exist in special populations, such as patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. As Chen et al 9 . showed that DHEA can improve the metabolic profile associated with adipose tissue without affecting liver function, it remains to be shown whether diseases are included in special populations.…”

“… 19 confirmed through animal experiments that some mechanisms leading to the occurrence and progression of DN have been triggered, such as inflammation, fibrosis and the expression of stress response mediators, before kidney damage occurs in the early stage of diabetes 4 , 15 . As a common steroid hormone, the level of DHEA decreases with age 1 , 9 , 20 . It can alleviate or even inhibit the progression of some age‐related diseases 9 , 17 , which might be related to its anti‐oxidant properties 21 , 22 .…”

“…As a common steroid hormone, the level of DHEA decreases with age 1 , 9 , 20 . It can alleviate or even inhibit the progression of some age‐related diseases 9 , 17 , which might be related to its anti‐oxidant properties 21 , 22 . DHEA has been confirmed to regulate lipid and/or glucose metabolism and systemic inflammation through different mechanisms, such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α and G‐protein‐coupled receptor activation 23 .…”

“…As Chen et al . 9 showed that DHEA can improve the metabolic profile associated with adipose tissue without affecting liver function, it remains to be shown whether diseases are included in special populations.…”

“…As one of the most abundant steroids in the body, DHEA might be an “anti‐oxidant” synthesized by the human body 8 that has a relieving or inhibitory effect on the progression of some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, immune abnormalities and skin aging 9 . In previous experiments, DHEA was added to the feed of diabetic mice, which increased the sensitivity of insulin in mice, thereby reducing the need for insulin, alleviating the persistent hyperglycemic state and improving the damage of multiple organs, such as the pancreas and kidneys, of mice 10 .…”