Ingestion of a dietary supplement containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione has minimal effect on immune function in middle-aged men.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the effects of four weeks of intake of a supplement containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione and herbal extracts on immune function in middle-aged men.


METHODS
Subjects consumed either an oral placebo or an oral supplement for four weeks. The supplement contained a total daily dose of 150 mg DHEA, 300 mg androstenedione, 750 mg Tribulus terrestris, 625 mg chrysin, 300 mg indole-3-carbinol and 540 mg saw palmetto.


METHODS
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used to assess phytohemagglutinin(PHA)-induced lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production. The cytokines measured were interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-1beta, and interferon (IFN)-gamma. Serum free testosterone, androstenedione, estradiol, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were also measured.


RESULTS
The supplement significantly increased serum levels of androstenedione, free testosterone, estradiol and DHT during week 1 to week 4. Supplement intake did not affect LPS or ConA proliferation and had minimal effect on PHA-induced proliferation. LPS-induced production of IL-1beta, and PHA-induced IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, or IFN-gamma production was not altered by the supplement. The addition of the same supplement, DHEA or androstenedione alone to lymphocyte cultures in vitro did not alter lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2, IL-10, or IFN-gamma, but did increase IL-4. In addition, serum HDL-C concentration significantly declined.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that, although chronic intake of a complex dietary supplement containing DHEA, androstenedione and herbal extracts increases serum androgen levels, it has minimal effect on immune function in middle-aged men.
Kohut
Marian L
ML
Department of Health and Human Performance, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA. mkohut@iastate.edu
Thompson
James R
JR
Campbell
Jeff
J
Brown
Greg A
GA
Vukovich
Matthew D
MD
Jackson
Dave A
DA
King
Doug S
DS
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016207:Cytokines; D028321:Plant Preparations; D000735:Androstenedione; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone