Effects of gemfibrozil treatment on serum levels of androstanediol glucuronide and adrenal androgens

We have prospectively investigated the role of adrenal cortical androgens as a risk Factor for coronary heart disease in the Helsinki Heart Study population. Simultaneously we studied the effects of gemfibrozil treatment on the serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulfate (DHEAS), and their metabolite androstanediol glucuronide (3αAdiolG) with those of placebo. Gemfibrozil ( n = 133) vs placebo ( n = 159) treatment was associated with significant elevation of mean (SD) DHEAS (μmol/l) 8.35 (5.31) vs 6.98 (3.85); P < 0.02, and of 3αAdiolG (nmol/l) 17.45 (7.57) vs 8.62 (3.56); P < 0.001, and of almost significant elevation of DHEA (nmol/l) 10.12 (6.64) vs 8.78 (5.86); P < 0.07. These new observations suggest that gemfibrozil treatment increases the production and turnover of DHEA and DHEAS and may in addition stimulate the 5α-reduction of androgens.