Dehydroepiandrosterone: physiological role, therapeutic effects, potential use in dentistry

BACKGROUND: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. DHEA underproduction is frequently associated with age-related diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, etc. AIM: To summarize available data on metabolism, DHEA biochemical and physiological mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential in treatment of age-related diseases and to discuss potential use in dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Search, and eLIBRARY.RU) were searched from 2000 to 2024. Based on the selection criteria, 45 publications were included. They were focused on physiological role of DHEA in the body, pharmacological effects observed with DHEA products, and the effect of age-related decrease in DHEA on pathological changes in the human body. The publications covered in vitro and in vivo study results (including randomized and controlled) and literature reviews. The methodology meets the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) requirements for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. RESULTS: The publications provided the results of scientific researches of DHEA chemical structure and neurophysiologic effects, production at different age periods, DHEA biological and therapeutic effects on the human body, and current synthesized pharmaceutical forms. CONCLUSION: This systematic review showed DHEA therapeutic potential in geriatric dentistry and warranted further research.