The Role of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate In Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Pathogenesis

Objective: Adrenal androgens, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) seem implicated in the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders, as natural immunosuppressors. The relationship of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) with circulating concentration of DHEA-S has been reported previously. However, this link and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating DHEA-S concentration in larger patients group suffering from CIU. Materials and Methods: Serum concentration of DHEA-S was measured in 65 patients (34 women, 31 men) with CIU and compared with 40 age and sex matched, non atopic healthy volunteers. Disease duration and extent of involvement were recorded. Results: The patients with CIU presented significantly decreased values of DHEA-S levels (102.66 +/- 28.95 mu g/dl) with respect to control group (174.22 +/- 39.58 mu g/dl) (p<0.01). No significant correlation was found between DHEA-S concentration and the duration of the disease, disease activity and gender. Conclusion: Our results support the hypothesis that DHEA-S may be a cause for the development of CIU, regardless of their gender. For definitive role of DHEA-S in CIU pathogenesis, further studies are needed.