Postmenopausal dehydroepiandrosterone administration increases free insulin-like growth factor-I and decreases high-density lipoprotein: a six-month trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of administering 6 months of oral postmenopausal DHEA therapy on serum DHEA, DHEAS, and T levels and on physiologic endpoints including lipoproteins and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I).


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, parallel trial.


METHODS
Academic referral practice.


METHODS
Thirteen normal-weight or overweight, healthy, nonsmoking, postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Administration of oral micronized DHEA (25 mg/d).


METHODS
Monthly fasting 23 hours postdose levels of serum DHEA, DHEAS, T, lipoproteins, IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and liver function tests. Morphometric indices by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan (percent body fat; lean body mass), immune indices, and insulin sensitivity.


RESULTS
Levels of DHEA, DHEAS, and T all rose into premenopausal ranges, but after 6 months, levels of DHEA and T did not differ from baseline or placebo. At 3 months, the ratio of IGF-I to IGFBP-3 rose by 36.1% +/- 12.7%, but it fell to placebo values by 6 months. High-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A1 levels declined.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients appeared to tolerate 6 months of DHEA therapy well. Given the small study size, no statistically significant differences in morphometric indices, immune indices, or insulin-sensitizing properties were observed, but significant attenuation of bioavailability occurred. Supplementation with DHEA increased IGF-I/IGFBP-3 levels at 3 months and decreased high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A1 levels at 6 months.
Casson
P R
PR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. PCASSON@BCM.TMC.EDU
Santoro
N
N
Elkind-Hirsch
K
K
Carson
S A
SA
Hornsby
P J
PJ
Abraham
G
G
Buster
J E
JE
D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 / Q000097:blood; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors
D000728:Androgens; D018972:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I