Effects of gemfibrozil treatment on serum levels of androstanediol glucuronide and adrenal androgens.

We have prospectively investigated the role of adrenal cortical androgens as a risk factor for coronary heart disease in the Helsinki Heart Study population. Simultaneously we studied the effects of gemfibrozil treatment on the serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulfate (DHEAS), and their metabolite androstanediol glucuronide (3 alpha AdiolG) with those of placebo. Gemfibrozil (n = 133) vs placebo (n = 159) treatment was associated with significant elevation of mean (SD) DHEAS (mumol/l) 8.35 (5.31) vs 6.98 (3.85); P less than 0.02, and of 3 alpha AdiolG (nmol/l) 17.45 (7.57) vs 8.62 (3.56); P less than 0.001), and of almost significant elevation of DHEA (nmol/l) 10.12 (6.64) vs 8.78 (5.86); P less than 0.07). These new observations suggest that gemfibrozil treatment increases the production and turnover of DHEA and DHEAS and may in addition stimulate the 5 alpha-reduction of androgens.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes