[Role of androgens and DHEA in bone metabolism].

Androgens have a major role in the growth and the maintenance of both cancellous and cortical bone mass in men. Androgen receptor is expressed in osteoblasts, osteoclasts and bone marrow stromal cells. Androgens have been shown to regulate the expression and the activity of several cytokines and growth factors, and control the homeostasis in bones. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has a protective effect against osteoporosis in women after menopause through the intracrine mechanism in osteoblasts, which DHEA is converted to estrogen through the aromatase activity.