Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), also known as androstenolone, is an endogenous steroid hormone precursor. [4] It is one of the most abundant circulating steroids in humans. [5] DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands, [6] the gonads, and the brain. [7]

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is secreted primarily by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex of humans and other primates. DHEA secretion is controlled by adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) and other pituitary factors (Nieschlag et al., 1973).

DHEA modulates cardiovascular signalling pathways and exerts an anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant and anti-remodelling effect. Its low levels correlate with increased cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. DHEA/DHEAS appear protective in asthma and allergy.

These pathways include: nitric oxide synthase activation, modulation of γ-amino butyric acid receptors, N-methyl D-aspartate, receptors sigma receptors (Sigma-1), differential expression of inflammatory factors, adhesion molecules and reactive oxygen species, among others.

The key steps in the steroidogenic pathway for the synthesis of DHEA are shown in Figure 1. 17-OH-pregnenolone is the essential immediate precursor for conversion to DHEA, and the co-presence of the enzymes CYP17A1 and Cyt-B5 within the corticotroph cells in the ZR is required for the lyase reaction to occur for the formation of DHEA. The ...

This overview is a summary of the current literature, addressing the metabolic pathway for DHEA synthesis and utilization, as well as the effects of DHEA on premenopausal and postmenopausal women with disease states and other factors.

DHEA and DHEA-S exert their effects through both genomic and non-genomic pathways. They serve as precursors to androgens and estrogens, influencing various physiological processes, including reproduction, bone metabolism, and immune function.

The biosynthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) from cholesterol involves only two enzymes, both cytochrome P450s. The conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone is mediated by cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), which is found in the mitochondria.

Jan 1, 2018 · Dehydroepiandrosterone (3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, DHEA) is synthesized in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex, in ovarian theca cells, in Leydig cells in the testes, and in brain. DHEA and its 3β-sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are abundant in circulation and decline with age (Labrie, 2010).

Jan 18, 2023 · Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its metabolite DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), are steroid hormones synthesized and secreted primarily by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).