DHEA Enhances Lung Function in COPD
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supports lung function in individuals with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study published in February 2012. Previous research using animal models indicates that DHEA reduces pulmonary hypertension, or the elevation of blood pressure in the arteries in the lungs, which is associated with COPD. DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands and is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body.
Eight subjects with pulmonary hypertension associated with COPD were
supplemented with 200 mg DHEA daily for three months. The researchers evaluated lung function tests and pulmonary hemodynamics such as pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance (resistance to blood flow) and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lung, which measures the extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood. The subjects also completed a six-minute walk test at the beginning of the study and again after the supplementation period.
All of the subjects had an increase in the six-minute walk test distance after DHEA supplementation. The mean pressure in the pulmonary arteries changed from 26 mmHg to 21.5mmHg after DHEA supplementation. Pulmonary vascular resistance decreased with DHEA supplementation from 4.2UI to 2.6UI, indicating less resistance to blood flow. Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lung increased with DHEA from 27.4 percent to 36.4 percent. In addition, DHEA treatment did not change respiratory parameters of gas exchange. The subjects did not report any side effects associated with DHEA supplementation.
The researchers concluded that DHEA supplementation significantly improves walking distance, pulmonary hemodynamics and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lung in individuals with pulmonary hypertension associated with COPD, without worsening gas exchange, as do other treatments of pulmonary hypertension.
Reference:
Dumas de La Roque E, et al. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2012;1:20-5.
