What question did this study set out to answer?

To delineate the physiological identity of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a prohormone and assess its role in intracrine sex steroid synthesis in target tissues.

November 1, 2005Journal of Endocrinology

Is dehydroepiandrosterone a hormone?

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Authors

FLFernand LabrieUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1 ABA. BèlangerMedical Council of Canada JSJacques SimardUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1

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Implication

Scientific review reveals DHEA functions as an essential prohormone converted locally into active sex steroids, highlighting novel therapeutic targets for hormone-dependent cancers and menopause.

Key Points

To delineate the physiological identity of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a prohormone and assess its role in intracrine sex steroid synthesis in target tissues.
Narrative review synthesizing endocrine evidence on human adrenal DHEA secretion, circulating concentrations relative to cortisol and cholesterol, and tissue-specific enzymatic conversion pathways.
Evaluation of clinical and physiological data regarding peripheral conversion of DHEA into androgens and estrogens in postmenopausal women and men with prostate cancer.
DHEA operates as a circulating prohormone converted intracellularly via cell-specific enzymes into active androgens and estrogens tailored to local tissue requirements.
Intracrine conversion of DHEA generates 100% of estrogens and nearly all androgens in postmenopausal women, and accounts for approximately 50% of prostate androgens in men.
Targeting intracrine androgen production using combined androgen blockade extends survival in advanced prostate cancer and achieves long-term control or cure in at least 90% of localized cases.

Cite This Study

Labrie et al. (2005) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a7d92701ec832c82ccda390 https://doi.org/10.1677/joe.1.06264

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Implication

Scientific review reveals DHEA functions as an essential prohormone converted locally into active sex steroids, highlighting novel therapeutic targets for hormone-dependent cancers and menopause.

Is dehydroepiandrosterone a hormone?

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Is dehydroepiandrosterone a hormone?

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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