ABSTRACT
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal steroid abundantly produced in humans (Parker 1999), which circulates as a sulfate-conjugated form, DHEAS. Circulating DHEAS serves as a reservoir for DHEA, and DHEAS plasma concentrations are approximately 20-fold higher than any other steroids (Migeon et al. 1957; Baulieu et al. 1965). DHEAS reaches a maximal plasma level
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 123 DHEA Synthesis .......................................................................................................................124 DHEA Metabolism....................................................................................................................124 DHEA Properties ......................................................................................................................124
Clinical Data on DHEA in Human Health ..................................................................................... 125 DHEA and Mortality ................................................................................................................. 125 DHEA and Cardiovascular Diseases ......................................................................................... 125
DHEA and Vascular Functions ...................................................................................................... 126 Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Contractile Mechanisms ........................................................... 126
