The impact of chronic high-dose DHEA administration on liver, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle tissues in young male rats with protective effects of vitamin E.

Abstract

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroidal hormone that is increasingly used as a dietary supplement, particularly among young men. Despite its widespread use, information regarding its potential adverse effects on vital organs remains limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the chronic effects of high‑dose DHEA supplementation on the liver, kidneys, heart, and muscle tissues in young male rats and to evaluate the potential protective role of vitamin E (Vit E) against DHEA‑induced tissue damage. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Control, DHEA‑treated, and DHEA + Vit E‑treated groups. Following chronic administration of DHEA, tissue samples from the liver, kidneys, heart, and skeletal muscle were collected. Histological, ultrastructural, and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate possible tissue injury and to assess the potential protective effects of Vit E supplementation. DHEA administration resulted in significant histopathological, ultrastructural, and biochemical alterations, indicating tissue injury. In contrast, rats receiving both DHEA and Vit E demonstrated significantly reduced levels of damage compared with the DHEA only group. The findings revealed that prolonged high‑dose DHEA supplementation caused notable injury in the liver and kidneys, whereas no significant damage was observed in muscle tissues. Chronic high‑dose DHEA supplementation may induce detrimental effects, particularly in the liver and kidneys, in young male rats. However, Vit E supplementation may partially mitigate these adverse effects, suggesting a potential protective role against DHEA‑induced organ toxicity.