Association of DHEAS levels with COVID19 severity, gender, age, comorbidities, and management strategies

Abstract COVID-19 has globally impacted millions. This study investigates DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) as a factor for COVID-19 progression, analyzing its relationship with disease status, temporal patterns, age, gender, and comorbidities to improve outcomes. DHEAS was quantified with a co...

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Main Authors: Tahereh Jamali, Sussan Kaboudanian Ardestani, Mohammad-Reza Vaez-Mahdavi, Arezou Rezaei, Mohammad Mehdi Naghizadeh, Fatemeh Tuserkani, HosseinAli Khazaei, Ali Khodadadi, Bahman Khazaei, Keivan Latifi, Tooba Ghazanfari
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-05919-9
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Summary:Abstract COVID-19 has globally impacted millions. This study investigates DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) as a factor for COVID-19 progression, analyzing its relationship with disease status, temporal patterns, age, gender, and comorbidities to improve outcomes. DHEAS was quantified with a competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. We conducted DHEAS analysis across different days. COVID-19 patients, particularly inpatients, have lower DHEAS levels compared to controls. DHEAS levels in COVID-19 patients showed a dynamic pattern, with an initial decline followed by recovery. The scatter plot analysis suggested COVID-19 could increase the age-related decline in DHEAS among males. Comorbidities, including hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes mellitus, were prevalent among COVID-19 patients and correlated with disease severity. Hypertension moderated the relationship between hospitalization and DHEAS, especially in females. Our findings showed a significant association between lower DHEAS and COVID-19 severity, along with temporal dynamics. COVID-19’s potential to increase the age-related decline in DHEAS, especially in males, underscores its intricate relationship with age. Hypertension’s influence on DHEAS suggests a gender-specific effect, emphasizing tailored management approaches. These findings offer valuable insights into the interaction between COVID-19, hormonal dynamics, and demographic factors, suggesting that DHEAS levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease and could be considered alongside other markers.
ISSN:2045-2322