This brief research report originally appeared in the February 1992
issue of ForeFront--Health Investigations.
New Research on DHEA
New research by Dr. Mark Jacobson and colleagues at the
University of California at San Francisco now indicates that
low blood levels of the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA) appear to precede the progression of asymptomatic HIV
infection to full-blown AIDS. Their study, based on blood
samples taken from 108 participants of the San Francisco
Men's Study, showed that low levels of DHEA were associated
with a doubled chance of progressing into full-blown AIDS within
a 3-year period compared to those with normal DHEA levels. This
observation was noted after taking into account the influence of
such factors as CD4 counts and whether or not antiviral drugs such
as AZT had been used.
DHEA is an abundant steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal
glands. It is a vital steroid precursor to both male and female
steroid hormones. Despite three decades of research into DHEA, its
importance and function beyond that of steroid precursor remains
something of a mystery. DHEA undergoes the strongest age-related
decreases of any of the steroid hormones. Lower-than-normal DHEA
blood levels have also been noted in those suffering from breast
cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Following their preliminary finding, Dr. Jacobson's team investigated
the influence of DHEA supplementation on HIV-disease progression in
a small group of 23 participants. They hoped to determine whether a
1500 mg daily DHEA supplement would correct abnormally low blood
levels of the hormone and whether it would have an ameliorative
effect on the progression of HIV disease. Earlier research with DHEA
has shown lowered incidence of spontaneous breast cancer in mice.
Jacobson's team now reports that this study has concluded and that
preliminary analysis of the data indicate that DHEA may slow down
the progression of AIDS. While encouraged by these preliminary
findings, Jacobson cautions against persons with AIDS (PWAs) rushing
to incorporate DHEA into their treatment regimen until his data are
fully analyzed and a more-in-depth full-scale follow-up study has
been conducted.
Abnormally low blood levels of DHEA were first noted in AIDS patients
in research conducted by Dr. Carl Merril at the National Institute
of Mental Health in 1989. In response to this early finding, many
buyers clubs began stocking DHEA for PWAs who chose to make it part
of their therapy. Dr. Jacobson's latest study provides further
encouragement that these treatment pioneers might have been on the
right track. However, both Jacobson and Merril emphasize the
preliminary nature of their research and the unknown role of DHEA in
human health and disease. DHEA may merely be a marker for HIV disease
progression.
In early 1991, amidst the growing controversy surrounding the
"abuse" of anabolic steroids, the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) reclassified anabolic steroids as Schedule 3
drugs. This classification includes such drugs as cocaine, morphine
and heroin. While DHEA is not technically an anabolic steroid (and
it has yet to be classified as such by the DEA), the stiff legal
penalties associated with trafficking in Schedule 3 drugs may have
scared off suppliers. Two years ago, there were dozens of domestic
suppliers. At this time, there is not a single source of DHEA in
the United States.
The DEA confirmed over the phone that DHEA has not been scheduled
along with the other steroids. It is therefore still legal under
current FDA policy to purchase DHEA for personal use.
DHEA is by no means inexpensive, and the only sources we were able
to locate were overseas. Readers are cautioned to write for availability
and pricing before placing an order. See the CERI sources listing
for up-to-date mail-order outlets.
Although this new study by Dr. Jacobson and associates is an essential
first step towards discovering the therapeutic potential of DHEA in
HIV disease, further study is clearly needed. The central role of
DHEA in steroid metabolism (and endocrine function) should prompt
widespread investigation into its function, not only in its relation
to HIV and AIDS but to cancer, Alzheimer's disease and aging as well.