The biologic role of dehydroepiandrosterone

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This comprehensive exploration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) delves into its biological significance and potential therapeutic applications. The text begins with foundational insights into DHEA as a precursor steroid, followed by discussions on its role as a neural facilitator, particularly in memory enhancement in both young and aged mice. Clinical studies are presented, highlighting the cognitive effects of DHEA replacement therapy and its implications for Alzheimer's disease, as well as its potential benefits in multiple sclerosis, including effects on fatigue. The book also examines reduced plasma DHEA concentrations in conditions like HIV and Alzheimer's, emphasizing its immune response facilitation against viral and bacterial infections. Further investigations cover DHEA's metabolic regulation by insulin, its impact on obesity, and its effects on mitochondrial respiration and liver function. The epidemiological aspects of DHEAS, especially concerning cardiovascular disease, are analyzed, alongside its influence on cholesterol and lipoproteins. The relationship between DHEA and carcinogenesis, particularly in liver cancer, is scrutinized, revealing its modulatory effects on carcinogenic processes. Overall, the text presents a multifaceted view of DHEA, integrating biochemical mechanisms and clinical implications, while offering insights into its potential as a therapeutic agent across various health conditions.