Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level and knee osteoarthritis in older adults: preliminary data for the possible link

Background: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is believed to be protective against articular cartilage injury and it is widely used as one of the natural remedies for inflammatory and degenerative arthritis. Yet, information about the association between DHEA level and knee OA is lacking. Objectives: To explore the link between serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAs) levels and knee OA among elderly patients. Methods: A case control study was conducted on 80 elderly subjects (40 males, 40 females) aged 60 years and older attending the outpatient clinics in Ain Shams University Hospital. Participants underwent a standard clinical examination of the knee, assessment of physical difficulty and pain severity using WOMAC OA index. Weight-bearing anteroposterior radiographs of the knees in the semi-flexed position were performed. Serum levels of DHEAs were examined. Results: The serum level of DHEAs in males with knee OA was 0.29 ± 0.17 μg/mL compared to those without knee OA 0.59 ± 0.51 μg/mL (p=0.006), small but significant difference existed between the serum level of DHEAs in females with knee OA 0.25 ± 0.11 μg/mL compared to those without knee OA 0.39 ± 0.26 μg/mL (p=0.044*). Additionally, the serum DHEAs level negatively correlated with the severity of knee OA in both sexes. Conclusions: There was a sex difference in serum DHEAs level and occurrence of knee OA. Lower levels of DHEAs were reported in elderly with knee OA and the serum DHEAs level negatively correlated with the severity of knee OA.