Prasterone (DHEA, Prastera, Fidelin) is a naturally occurring androgenic steroid hormone produced in small quantities by primates (including humans) by the adrenal gland in reaction to ACTH. It has a number of effects within the body, including acting on the cardiovascular system, immune system, CNS, and on metabolism.

The substance has a number of clinical applications in higher doses than are naturally present in the body, primarily in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease affecting connective tissue. However, due to animal trials showing high liver toxicity, the FDA assigned prasterone the status of a Schedule II drug in 1984. Sale and possession of the drug remained illegal until the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act was passed in 1994, allowing commercial sale of prasterone as a nutritional supplement. In this role it was advertised as a treatment for aging.

In 2003, Paladin Labs obtained orphan drug status for prasterone, under the trade name Fidelin, in the treatment of Addison's disease (a condition in which the adrenal gland does not produce sufficient steroids, including prasterone.) In addition, prasterone and its metabolite prasterone sulphate show some effectiveness in both treating osteoporosis and in speeding recovery following skin grafts. Low prasterone levels have been demonstrated to be common in sufferers of inflammatory bowel disease, and has been studied with regards to its role in the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Despite a lack of evidence supporting its efficacy in causing muscle growth, some athletes have used prasterone for this effect, and as a precaution the substance has been banned by both the NCAA and USOC. However, false positive results have been known to occur as a result of testing for prasterone due to metabolites shared with other, legal, supplements.

Prasterone is metabolised by aromatase and hydrosteroid dehydrogenase into various estrogenic and androgenic substances, including androstenedione, androstenediol, testosterone, estrogen, estradiol, and DHT. These metabolites are in part responsible for mediating the effects of prasterone itself. As a result of these metabolites, long-term use of the drug can cause a wide variety of side effects, including masculinising effects, decreased sperm count, liver damage, disturbed menstrual cycles, and defects of foetuses in pregnant females treated by the drug.

See also

External links

• FDA assessment
• Withdrawn application for UK distribution
• About prasterone

Androgens