Mechanisms of Action of Dehydroepiandrosterone
January 2018
in “
Vitamins and hormones
”
TLDR DHEA affects various tissues by interacting with multiple receptors and can be converted into sex hormones.
The review concluded that Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) activated numerous receptors, including steroid hormone receptors and nuclear receptors, albeit at higher concentrations than their natural ligands. This broad receptor activation likely explained the diverse biological effects attributed to DHEA. The study highlighted DHEA's potential therapeutic roles, such as preventing osteoporosis and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases, while also noting its androgenic effects. The findings were based on various studies involving both rodents and humans, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand DHEA's mechanisms and therapeutic potential.