Fascinating article: DHEA found to decrease NF-KappaB activity in the hippocampus region of the brain. This has implications in protecting the brain. In this study, the implication was reduction in inflammation in the hippocampus region in diabetic rat model.
low cortisol pattern with elevated DHEA found in women with PTSD. Additionally, elevated levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were found. Hormone evaluation was tested through saliva.
DHEA's effect on adipose tissue is through increased adiponectin and increased insulin sensitivity. This is the mechanism through which DHEA is propose to aid in weight loss.
Interesting animal study finds that the brain can make sex hormones, DHEA and Testosterone in this article, de novo from cholesterol. This is one mechanism by which the body can adapt to low T. This also brings to light the effects that low adrenal output can have on T as well.
CONCLUSION: The overall results confirm that DHEA treatment was well-tolerated, significantly reduced the number of SLE flares, and improved patient's global assessment of disease activity.
saliva used to monitor stress of hypobaric and hypoxic pilots. Good correlation found to times of hypobaric and hypoxia stress, with pre and post return to normal levels found. Additionally, DHEA was found to be a component in the stress response of these pilots.
Areas of high exposure of Dioxin in Vietnam found to have associated elevated salivary cortisol, cortisone, and DHEA. Now, this can only be seen as an association, but they did find these elevations only in the "hot spots" and not in low exposure areas.