Effects of DHEA and Exercise in the Elderly

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by tghe adrenal galnds. The secretion of HDEA declines with aging. DHEA is considered a food supplement and it is not regulated by the FDA. The purpose of this research is to evaluate ceratin of the biological effects of a reaplcement dose of DHEA. As you get older, DHEA levels are lower than you were younger. The replamcent dose is the dose of DHEA that will raise DHEA levesl to the levels found in young people. Anotehr purpose is to determine whether DHEA enhances the adaptations to an exercise training program.

Detailed Description
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DHEA declines dramatically with age. Low DHEA levels have been found to correlate with sarcopenia and osteopenia. It is, therefore, postulated that many physiologic changes of aging are secondary to the decline in DHEA. Thus, the objective of the proposed research is to evaluate the effect of DHEA replacement on age-related changes in body composition, muscle function and metabolism, and bone mass in healthy older adults. The specific aims are to evaluate the effects of DHEA replacement (50 mg/d) alone, or in combination with resistance exercise training on: a) lean body mass, intraabdominal fat and thigh muscle volume, and muscle protein synthesis rate b) bone mineral density (BMD) of the total body, lumbar spine, and hip and biochemical markers of bone turnover and c) insulin sensitivity. It is hypothesized that DHEA administration will have additive or synergistic effects with exercise. Healthy but sedentary subjects , aged 65-78 years old, will be randomized to receive either DHEA, 50 mg/d, or placebo and to participate in either supervised or home exercise training programs. The supervised exercise program will consist of resistance training designed to increase muscle mass, strength, and bone mass, and decrease fat mass. The goal of this research is to provide information on the potential role of DHEA replacement therapy in maintaining the physical health and functional capacity of older people

Official Title
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DHEA+Exercise-Effect on Sarcopenia and Osteopenia of Aging

Conditions
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Healthy Volunteers

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: DHEA
* Behavioral: exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 65 to 78 years old men and women Exclusion Criteria: hormone therapy, history of hormone-dependent neoplasia, PSA above 2.6 ng/mL, or active serious illness, contraindications to exercise, dementia

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 65 Years
Maximum Age: 78 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Drug: DHEA|nan|
|Behavioral: exercise|nan|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| thigh muscle mass, muscle strength, intadominal fat, bone mineral density, markers of bone turnover, insulin sensitivity, |  |  | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| quality of life, vascular reactivity, levels of hormones |  |  | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Aging, dhea, bone density, muscle mass, insulin action