| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology Research Center, Laval University Medical Center (Centre Hospitalier de lUniversité Laval) and Laval University, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
Correspondence: Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Prof. Fernand Labrie, Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology Research Center, Laval University Medical Center (Centre Hospitalier de lUniversité Laval), 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada. E-mail: fernand.labrie{at}crchul.ulaval.ca
Serum androgens as well as their precursors and metabolites decrease from the age of 3040 yr in women, thus suggesting that a more physiological hormone replacement therapy at menopause should contain an androgenic compound. It is important to consider, however, that most of the androgens in women, especially after menopause, are synthesized in peripheral intracrine tissues from the inactive precursors dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) of adrenal origin. Much progress in this new area of endocrine physiology called intracrinology has followed the cloning and characterization of most of the enzymes responsible for the transformation of DHEA and DHEA-S into androgens and estrogens in peripheral target tissues, where the locally produced sex steroids are exerting their action in the same cells in which their synthesis takes place without significant diffusion into the circulation, thus seriously limiting the interpretation of serum levels of active sex steroids. The sex steroids made in peripheral tissues are then inactivated locally into more water-soluble compounds that diffuse into the general circulation where they can be measured. In a series of animal models, androgens and DHEA have been found to inhibit breast cancer development and growth and to stimulate bone formation. In clinical studies, DHEA has been found to increase bone mineral density and to stimulate vaginal maturation without affecting the endometrium, while improving well-being and libido with no significant side effects. The advantage of DHEA over other androgenic compounds is that DHEA, at physiological doses, is converted into androgens and/or estrogens only in the specific intracrine target tissues that possess the appropriate physiological enzymatic machinery, thus limiting the action of the sex steroids to those tissues possessing the tissue-specific profile of expression of the genes responsible for their formation, while leaving the other tissues unaffected and thus minimizing the potential side effects observed with androgens or estrogens administered systemically.
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
M. Plourde, C. Manhes, G. Leblanc, F. Durocher, M. Dumont, O. Sinilnikova, I. BRCAs, and J. Simard Mutation analysis and characterization of HSD17B2 sequence variants in breast cancer cases from French Canadian families with high risk of breast and ovarian cancer J. Mol. Endocrinol., April 1, 2008; 40(4): 161 - 172. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
C. Swanson, D. Mellstrom, M. Lorentzon, L. Vandenput, J. Jakobsson, A. Rane, M. Karlsson, O. Ljunggren, U. Smith, A.-L. Eriksson, et al. The Uridine Diphosphate Glucuronosyltransferase 2B15 D85Y and 2B17 Deletion Polymorphisms Predict the Glucuronidation Pattern of Androgens and Fat Mass in Men J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., December 1, 2007; 92(12): 4878 - 4882. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Chouinard, O. Barbier, and A. Belanger UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B15 (UGT2B15) and UGT2B17 Enzymes Are Major Determinants of the Androgen Response in Prostate Cancer LNCaP Cells J. Biol. Chem., November 16, 2007; 282(46): 33466 - 33474. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. S. Cooper and P. M. Stewart Adrenal Insufficiency in Critical Illness J Intensive Care Med, November 1, 2007; 22(6): 348 - 362. [Abstract] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
L. Vandenput, D. Mellstrom, M. Lorentzon, C. Swanson, M. K. Karlsson, J. Brandberg, L. Lonn, E. Orwoll, U. Smith, F. Labrie, et al. Androgens and Glucuronidated Androgen Metabolites Are Associated with Metabolic Risk Factors in Men J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., November 1, 2007; 92(11): 4130 - 4137. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
G. D. Braunstein Gynecomastia N. Engl. J. Med., September 20, 2007; 357(12): 1229 - 1237. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Zhongyi, P. Rantakari, T. Lamminen, J. Toppari, and M. Poutanen Transgenic Male Mice Expressing Human Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 2 Indicate a Role for the Enzyme Independent of Its Action on Sex Steroids Endocrinology, August 1, 2007; 148(8): 3827 - 3836. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. N. Birrell, L. M. Butler, J. M. Harris, G. Buchanan, and W. D. Tilley Disruption of androgen receptor signaling by synthetic progestins may increase risk of developing breast cancer FASEB J, August 1, 2007; 21(10): 2285 - 2293. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
P. POROLA, M. LAINE, L. VIRKKI, P. PODUVAL, and Y. T. KONTTINEN The Influence of Sex Steroids on Sjogren's Syndrome Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., June 1, 2007; 1108(1): 426 - 432. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Schumacher, R. Guennoun, A. Ghoumari, C. Massaad, F. Robert, M. El-Etr, Y. Akwa, K. Rajkowski, and E.-E. Baulieu Novel Perspectives for Progesterone in Hormone Replacement Therapy, with Special Reference to the Nervous System Endocr. Rev., June 1, 2007; 28(4): 387 - 439. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Panjari and S. R. Davis DHEA therapy for women: effect on sexual function and wellbeing Hum. Reprod. Update, May 1, 2007; 13(3): 239 - 248. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Rinaldi, L. Dossus, A. Lukanova, P. H.M. Peeters, N. E. Allen, T. Key, S. Bingham, K.-T. Khaw, D. Trichopoulos, A. Trichopoulou, et al. Endogenous Androgens and Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., January 1, 2007; 16(1): 23 - 29. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. S. Tworoger, A. H. Eliassen, S. A. Missmer, H. Baer, J. Rich-Edwards, K. B. Michels, R. L. Barbieri, M. Dowsett, and S. E. Hankinson Birthweight and Body Size throughout Life in Relation to Sex Hormones and Prolactin Concentrations in Premenopausal Women Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., December 1, 2006; 15(12): 2494 - 2501. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. L. Eriksson, M. Lorentzon, D. Mellstrom, L. Vandenput, C. Swanson, N. Andersson, G. L. Hammond, J. Jakobsson, A. Rane, E. S. Orwoll, et al. SHBG Gene Promoter Polymorphisms in Men Are Associated with Serum Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin, Androgen and Androgen Metabolite Levels, and Hip Bone Mineral Density J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., December 1, 2006; 91(12): 5029 - 5037. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Grube, K. Kock, S. Karner, S. Reuther, C. A. Ritter, G. Jedlitschky, and H. K. Kroemer Modification of OATP2B1-Mediated Transport by Steroid Hormones Mol. Pharmacol., November 1, 2006; 70(5): 1735 - 1741. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
G. Perez-Palacios, R. Santillan, R. Garcia-Becerra, E. Borja-Cacho, F. Larrea, P. Damian-Matsumura, L. Gonzalez, and A. E Lemus Enhanced formation of non-phenolic androgen metabolites with intrinsic oestrogen-like gene transactivation potency in human breast cancer cells: a distinctive metabolic pattern. J. Endocrinol., September 1, 2006; 190(3): 805 - 818. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. E. Sherman, J. V. Lacey, S. S. Buys, D. J. Reding, C. D. Berg, C. Williams, and P. Hartge Ovarian Volume: Determinants and Associations with Cancer among Postmenopausal Women. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., August 1, 2006; 15(8): 1550 - 1554. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. H. Slagter, L. J.G. Gooren, A. Scorilas, C. D. Petraki, and E. P. Diamandis Effects of Long-term Androgen Administration on Breast Tissue of Female-to-Male Transsexuals J. Histochem. Cytochem., August 1, 2006; 54(8): 905 - 910. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
L. F. Macedo, Z. Guo, S. L. Tilghman, G. J. Sabnis, Y. Qiu, and A. Brodie Role of androgens on mcf-7 breast cancer cell growth and on the inhibitory effect of letrozole. Cancer Res., August 1, 2006; 66(15): 7775 - 7782. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
W. Arlt, F. Hammer, P. Sanning, S. K. Butcher, J. M. Lord, B. Allolio, D. Annane, and P. M. Stewart Dissociation of Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate in Septic Shock J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., July 1, 2006; 91(7): 2548 - 2554. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F Labrie Future perspectives of selective estrogen receptor modulators used alone and in combination with DHEA. Endocr. Relat. Cancer, June 1, 2006; 13(2): 335 - 355. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. S. Tworoger, S. A. Missmer, A. H. Eliassen, D. Spiegelman, E. Folkerd, M. Dowsett, R. L. Barbieri, and S. E. Hankinson The Association of Plasma DHEA and DHEA Sulfate with Breast Cancer Risk in Predominantly Premenopausal Women. Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., May 1, 2006; 15(5): 967 - 971. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
G. Juhasz-Vedres, E. Rozsa, G. Rakos, M. B. Dobszay, Z. Kis, J. Wolfling, J. Toldi, A. Parducz, and T. Farkas Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Is Neuroprotective when Administered Either before or after Injury in a Focal Cortical Cold Lesion Model Endocrinology, February 1, 2006; 147(2): 683 - 686. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. C. Havelock, W. E. Rainey, K. D. Bradshaw, and B. R. Carr The post-menopausal ovary displays a unique pattern of steroidogenic enzyme expression Hum. Reprod., January 1, 2006; 21(1): 309 - 317. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. Suzuki, Y. Miki, Y. Nakamura, T. Moriya, K. Ito, N. Ohuchi, and H. Sasano Sex steroid-producing enzymes in human breast cancer Endocr. Relat. Cancer, December 1, 2005; 12(4): 701 - 720. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R Kaaks, S Rinaldi, T J Key, F Berrino, P H M Peeters, C Biessy, L Dossus, A Lukanova, S Bingham, K-T Khaw, et al. Postmenopausal serum androgens, oestrogens and breast cancer risk: the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition Endocr. Relat. Cancer, December 1, 2005; 12(4): 1071 - 1082. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D. J. Bettoun, A. Scafonas, S. J. Rutledge, P. Hodor, O. Chen, C. Gambone, R. Vogel, S. McElwee-Witmer, C. Bai, L. Freedman, et al. Interaction between the Androgen Receptor and RNase L Mediates a Cross-talk between the Interferon and Androgen Signaling Pathways J. Biol. Chem., November 25, 2005; 280(47): 38898 - 38901. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F Labrie, V Luu-The, A Belanger, S-X Lin, J Simard, G Pelletier, and C Labrie Is dehydroepiandrosterone a hormone? J. Endocrinol., November 1, 2005; 187(2): 169 - 196. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. G. Schwartz, G. M. Prysak, V. Murphy, F. Lonardo, H. Pass, J. Schwartz, and S. Brooks Nuclear Estrogen Receptor {beta} in Lung Cancer: Expression and Survival Differences by Sex Clin. Cancer Res., October 15, 2005; 11(20): 7280 - 7287. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
G. Buchanan, S. N. Birrell, A. A. Peters, T. Bianco-Miotto, K. Ramsay, E. J. Cops, M. Yang, J. M. Harris, H. A. Simila, N. L. Moore, et al. Decreased Androgen Receptor Levels and Receptor Function in Breast Cancer Contribute to the Failure of Response to Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Cancer Res., September 15, 2005; 65(18): 8487 - 8496. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Bhasin Female Androgen Deficiency Syndrome--An Unproven Hypothesis J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., August 1, 2005; 90(8): 4970 - 4972. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. R. Davis, S. L. Davison, S. Donath, and R. J. Bell Circulating Androgen Levels and Self-reported Sexual Function in Women JAMA, July 6, 2005; 294(1): 91 - 96. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. Simard, M.-L. Ricketts, S. Gingras, P. Soucy, F. A. Feltus, and M. H. Melner Molecular Biology of the 3{beta}-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/{Delta}5-{Delta}4 Isomerase Gene Family Endocr. Rev., June 1, 2005; 26(4): 525 - 582. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. Hammer, S. Subtil, P. Lux, C. Maser-Gluth, P. M. Stewart, B. Allolio, and W. Arlt No Evidence for Hepatic Conversion of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sulfate to DHEA: In Vivo and in Vitro Studies J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2005; 90(6): 3600 - 3605. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. Kaaks, F. Berrino, T. Key, S. Rinaldi, L. Dossus, C. Biessy, G. Secreto, P. Amiano, S. Bingham, H. Boeing, et al. Serum Sex Steroids in Premenopausal Women and Breast Cancer Risk Within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) J Natl Cancer Inst, May 18, 2005; 97(10): 755 - 765. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
E. R. Simpson, M. Misso, K. N. Hewitt, R. A. Hill, W. C. Boon, M. E. Jones, A. Kovacic, J. Zhou, and C. D. Clyne Estrogen--the Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected Endocr. Rev., May 1, 2005; 26(3): 322 - 330. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. Labrie, A. Belanger, V. Luu-The, C. Labrie, J. Simard, L. Cusan, J. Gomez, and B. Candas Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer Endocr. Rev., May 1, 2005; 26(3): 361 - 379. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K. Townsend, C. M. Banwell, M. Guy, K. W. Colston, J. L. Mansi, P. M. Stewart, M. J. Campbell, and M. Hewison Autocrine Metabolism of Vitamin D in Normal and Malignant Breast Tissue Clin. Cancer Res., May 1, 2005; 11(9): 3579 - 3586. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. Labrie, V. Luu-The, E. Calvo, C. Martel, J. Cloutier, S. Gauthier, P. Belleau, J. Morissette, M.-H. Levesque, and C. Labrie Tetrahydrogestrinone induces a genomic signature typical of a potent anabolic steroid J. Endocrinol., February 1, 2005; 184(2): 427 - 433. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. Lukanova and R. Kaaks Endogenous Hormones and Ovarian Cancer: Epidemiology and Current Hypotheses Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., January 1, 2005; 14(1): 98 - 107. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
J. J. Christiansen, C. H. Gravholt, S. Fisker, N. Moller, M. Andersen, B. Svenstrup, P. Bennett, P. Ivarsen, J. S. Christiansen, and J. O. L. Jorgensen Very short term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment in female adrenal failure: impact on carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism Eur. J. Endocrinol., January 1, 2005; 152(1): 77 - 85. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
A. H. Payne and D. B. Hales Overview of Steroidogenic Enzymes in the Pathway from Cholesterol to Active Steroid Hormones Endocr. Rev., December 1, 2004; 25(6): 947 - 970. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
G. Pelletier, V. Luu-The, S. Li, J. Ouellet, and F. Labrie Cellular Localization of mRNA Expression of Enzymes Involved in the Formation and Inactivation of Hormonal Steroids in the Mouse Prostate J. Histochem. Cytochem., October 1, 2004; 52(10): 1351 - 1356. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S. Nakamura, M. Yoshimura, M. Nakayama, T. Ito, Y. Mizuno, E. Harada, T. Sakamoto, Y. Saito, K. Nakao, H. Yasue, et al. Possible Association of Heart Failure Status With Synthetic Balance Between Aldosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone in Human Heart Circulation, September 28, 2004; 110(13): 1787 - 1793. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
N. J. MacLusky, T. Hajszan, and C. Leranth Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Flutamide on Hippocampal CA1 Spine Synapse Density in Male and Female Rats: Implications for the Role of Androgens in Maintenance of Hippocampal Structure Endocrinology, September 1, 2004; 145(9): 4154 - 4161. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
L.M. Rivera-Woll, M. Papalia, S.R. Davis, and H.G. Burger Androgen insufficiency in women: diagnostic and therapeutic implications Hum. Reprod. Update, September 1, 2004; 10(5): 421 - 432. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
R. T. Chatterton Jr., A. S. Geiger, S. A. Khan, I. B. Helenowski, B. D. Jovanovic, and P. H. Gann Variation in Estradiol, Estradiol Precursors, and Estrogen-related Products in Nipple Aspirate Fluid from Normal Premenopausal Women Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., June 1, 2004; 13(6): 928 - 935. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
W. Somboonporn and S. R. Davis Testosterone Effects on the Breast: Implications for Testosterone Therapy for Women Endocr. Rev., June 1, 2004; 25(3): 374 - 388. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
C. E. Wood, J. M. Cline, M. S. Anthony, T. C. Register, and J. R. Kaplan Adrenocortical Effects of Oral Estrogens and Soy Isoflavones in Female Monkeys J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., May 1, 2004; 89(5): 2319 - 2325. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Leblanc, M.-C. Belanger, P. Julien, A. Tchernof, C. Labrie, A. Belanger, and F. Labrie Plasma Lipoprotein Profile in the Male Cynomolgus Monkey under Normal, Hypogonadal, and Combined Androgen Blockade Conditions J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2004; 89(4): 1849 - 1857. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. Hajszan, N. J. MacLusky, and C. Leranth Dehydroepiandrosterone Increases Hippocampal Spine Synapse Density in Ovariectomized Female Rats Endocrinology, March 1, 2004; 145(3): 1042 - 1045. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Neves-e-Castro Menopause in crisis post-Women's Health Initiative? A view based on personal clinical experience Hum. Reprod., December 1, 2003; 18(12): 2512 - 2518. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. Leblanc, C. Labrie, A. Belanger, B. Candas, and F. Labrie Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of Dehydroepiandrosterone in the Cynomolgus Monkey J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., September 1, 2003; 88(9): 4293 - 4302. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| Endocrinology | Endocrine Reviews | J. Clin. End. & Metab. |
| Molecular Endocrinology | Recent Prog. Horm. Res. | All Endocrine Journals |