The analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentration in elderly age women depending on coexisting disease states.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was evaluation of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) serum concentration in elderly women and determining interdependence between DHEA-S levels and occurrence of diseases typical for this period of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted on 103 elderly women (mean age 70.7 +/- 7.3 years). The control group consisted of 25 young and healthy women (mean age 33.5 +/- 1.7 years). The elderly patients were fully functional, well nourished, and only periodically required medical care due to chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression. DHEA-S serum concentration was determined by Spectria DHEA(S) RIA radioimmunological kit. Statistically significantly important decrease of DHEA-S serum concentration was determined in elderly women compared with the control group. RESULTS Mean blood serum DHEA-S concentration in elderly group was significantly lower compared to controls. Mean blood serum DHEA-S concentration was statistically significantly lower in the group of patients suffering from coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, and depression. Statistically significantly lower DHEA-S concentration was observed in patients with benign disorders of cognitive functions and depression compared with patients with correct MMSE and GDS results. CONCLUSIONS In elderly women DHEA-S concentration can turn out to be useful aging biomarker. Concentration of this hormone significantly decreases together with age, especially with coexisting diseases typical for this period of life.