A longitudinal study of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) change in older men and women: the Rancho Bernardo Study

Abstract

Objective: To examine the age-related and sex-specific rates and determinants of change in endogenous dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels in older community-dwelling adults, taking into account regression to the mean. Design: Prospective cohort study from Rancho Bernardo, California, USA. Methods: Plasma for DHEAS was collected at baseline and 10-14 years later from 242 men and 207 postmenopausal women (age range, 60 -77 years), who were not taking hormone therapy or corticosteroids. Age-related and sex-specific changes in DHEAS were calculated according to four different definitions of change: absolute change, annual percentage change, change exceeding 10% of baseline and change exceeding that expected from statistical regression to the mean. Determinants of DHEAS change were assessed using regression analyses. Results: Baseline DHEAS levels were higher for men than women (age-adjusted means, 1.37^0.73 mg/ml (3.72^1.98 mmol/l) vs 0.73^0.48 mg/ml (1.98^1.30 mmol/l) respectively, P , 0.0001), with more pronounced declines observed in men (2 4.0%/year) compared with women (2 2.1%/year; P , 0.001). Some 28% of women and 5% of men had DHEAS levels that increased or stayed the same according to a 10% definition of change. When regression to the mean artifact was accounted for, only 15% of women and 5% of men showed true increases in DHEAS. In both sexes, baseline DHEAS levels accounted for three-quarters of the variability in absolute DHEAS change over time, with higher baseline levels resulting in greater loss. Sex, baseline weight, age and smoking status were significantly associated with DHEAS change in univariate models; only sex remained independently associated with DHEAS change in multivariate analyses, with men showing greater annual declines than women (estimated coefficient ¼ 0.006, P ¼ 0.008). Conclusion: In this sample, over 30% of the observed changes in DHEAS could be attributed to regression to the mean. Potential underlying mechanisms of change in DHEAS levels, and sex differences, are discussed. European Journal of Endocrinology 151 717-725

PLASMA LEVELS OF INTERFERON-γ CORRELATE WITH AGE-RELATED DISTURBANCES OF CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS AND SURVIVAL IN a NON-HUMAN PRIMATE

“…This is consistent with the present finding of an increase in IFN-γ plasma levels between middle-age and old-age in mouse lemurs. DHEA-S is accepted as a good biomarker of aging, as its levels progressively decrease with advancing age in various species, including humans (Baulieu et al, 2000;Tannenbaum et al, 2004). Such a decrease with age has previously been demonstrated in mouse lemurs , and it is confirmed by the present results.…”

Androgens in relationship to cardiovascular risk factors in the menopausal transition

“…Moreover, DHEAS concentrations showed lower levels in women after the menopausal transition, corresponding with the reduction expected with aging 23,24 .…”

Association of Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Levels with Endothelial Function in Postmenopausal Women with Coronary Risk Factors

“…Plasma DHEA-S levels do not drop during the menopause transition, but decline with aging (1,2,20). A recent study has shown a positive correlation between DHEA-S levels and the duration of reactive hyperemia, another less specific marker of endothelial function compared to FMD, in young women (26±6 years old, n= 27) with polycystic ovary syndrome (21).…”