Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of DHEA therapy on insulin resistance (FIRI, FG/FI) and serum lipids in men with angiographically verified coronary heart disease (CHD).
Material and methods The study included thirty men aged 41-60 years (mean age 52±0.90 yr) with serum DHEA-S concentration <2000 µg/l, who were randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Subjects completed the 80 days study of 40 days of 150 mg oral DHEA daily or placebo, and next groups were changed after 30 days of wash-out. Fasting early morning blood samples were obtained at baseline and after each treatment to determine serum hormones levels (testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, FSH estradiol and IGF-1) and also metabolic profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglicerides, HDL-cholesterol, insulin, glucose, fasting insulin resistance index – FIRI and FG/FI ratio).
Results Administration of DHEA was associated with 4.5-fold increase in DHEA-S levels. Relative to baseline DHEA administration resulted in a decrease in insulin levels by 40% (p<0.005) and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI) by 47% (p<0.004). Also total cholesterol levels and LDL-cholesterol levels decreased significantly (from 222,9±6,6 mg/dL to 207,4±6,6 mg/dL and from 143,9±6,9 mg/dL to 130,5±6,0 mg/dL respectively; p<0.05). Glucose levels dropped significant below baseline values after DHEA (p<0.001). Estrogen levels significantly increased after DHEA (p<0,05). While changes of serum concentrations of testosterone, LH, FSH, IGF-I, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides were not statistical significant. Tolerance of the treatment was good and no adverse effects were observed.
Conclusions DHEA therapy in dose of 150 mg daily during 40 days in men with DHEA levels <2000 µg/l decreased total cholesterol concentration, insulin and glucose levels and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI). This therapy may be a beneficial against CHD risk factors.