Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and systemic lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to evaluate in vivo and in vitro data on the effects of the adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) with emphasis on its potential use in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
The literature dealing with DHEA was reviewed.


RESULTS
Initially, research on DHEA focused on effects of DHEA in relation to obesity. Over the past decade, research stimulated by associations between the physiological decline in DHEA and aging, cardiovascular disease, changes in metabolism, brain function, and immune senescence have generated insight into the many effects that DHEA or its metabolites may have. In SLE a role for sex hormones in both the etiopathogenesis and disease activity is recognized. In SLE, as in aging, low DHEA levels are frequently found, especially with corticosteroid treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Research data in the elderly, on both hormonal and immunologic effects, suggest that DHEA may become an adjunctive treatment for SLE patients.
Derksen
R H
RH
Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000187:drug effects
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone