Fat-reducing effects of dehydroepiandrosterone involve upregulation of ATGL and HSL expression, and stimulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue

► DHEA reduces body fat and stimulates adipose tissue triglyceride hydrolysis in rats. ► DHEA upregulates ATGL mRNA and protein expression in rat adipose tissue. ► DHEA increases HSL mRNA levels and Ser660 phosphorylation in rat adipose tissue. ► DHEA promotes lipolysis in adipose tissue by increasing ATGL and HSL expression. ► The effects of DHEA on lipolysis appear to be mediated via PPARγ2 activation.