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Marcos-Pérez D, Sánchez-Flores M, Maseda A, Lorenzo-López L, Millán-Calenti JC, Pásaro E, Laffon B, Valdiglesias V. Serum cortisol but not oxidative stress biomarkers are related to frailty: results of a cross-sectional study in Spanish older adults. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:815-825. [PMID: 31405343 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1654639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Frailty is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome of loss of reserves and increased vulnerability to negative health outcomes. Cortisol, the major hormone of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, and oxidative stress may be influenced by multiple endogenous and environmental factors throughout the lifespan, triggering changes in organism functioning. Association of elevated levels of cortisol and oxidative stress biomarkers with aging and several age-related diseases is well documented. However, the possible role of these factors on frailty status in older adults has not been extensively studied. Hence, the aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional study in 252 older adults (≥65 years old) classified according to their frailty status. Plasma cortisol and biomarkers related to oxidative stress including reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, oxidative DNA damage, and total antioxidant capacity were determined in non-frail, pre-frail, and frail subjects. Results showed significantly increasing cortisol concentrations with frailty burden, but no marked association between any oxidative stress biomarker and frailty status. In addition, dependence on activities of daily living and 10-year mortality risk were also correlated with elevated cortisol levels. Current results support the hypothesis that age-related HPA axis dysregulation is associated with frailty status, although further research is necessary to establish the role of cortisol in the pathophysiology of frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Marcos-Pérez
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade da Coruña , Coruña , Spain
| | - María Sánchez-Flores
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade da Coruña , Coruña , Spain
| | - Ana Maseda
- Universidade da Coruña, Gerontology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC) , Coruña , Spain
| | - Laura Lorenzo-López
- Universidade da Coruña, Gerontology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC) , Coruña , Spain
| | - José C Millán-Calenti
- Universidade da Coruña, Gerontology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC) , Coruña , Spain
| | - Eduardo Pásaro
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
| | - Blanca Laffon
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
| | - Vanessa Valdiglesias
- Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology, Faculty of Education Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, DICOMOSA Group , Coruña , Spain
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de Medeiros SF, Ormond CM, de Medeiros MAS, de Souza Santos N, Banhara CR, Yamamoto MMW. Metabolic and endocrine connections of 17-hydroxypregnenolone in polycystic ovary syndrome women. Endocr Connect 2017; 6:479-488. [PMID: 28784626 PMCID: PMC5592777 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the anthropometric, and metabolic connections of 17-hydroxypregnenolone in the normo- and hyperandrogenemic polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cohort study was conducted at the Julio Muller University Hospital, Cuiabá, Brazil, between January 2014 and July 2016, and 91 normal cycling healthy women, 46 normoandrogenemic and 147 hyperandrogenemic, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were enrolled according to the Rotterdam criteria. Several anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal parameters were properly verified and correlated with 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OHPE) concentrations. RESULTS 17-OHPE was higher in hyperandrogenemic PCOS than in normoandrogenemic PCOS and in control groups (P = 0.032 and P < 0.001, respectively). In healthy controls, 17-OHPE was positively associated with glucose, free estrogen index, DHEAS and negatively associated with compounds S. In normoandrogenemic PCOS patients, 17-OHPE presented positive correlations with VAI, LAP, cortisol, insulin and HOMA-IR. In the hyperandrogenemic group, 17-OHPE presented significant negative correlations with most anthropometric parameters, HOMA-IR, HOMA %B, estradiol, free estrogen index (FEI), C-peptide, and TG levels and positive correlations with HOMA-S and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), androstenedione (A4) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Regarding hyperandrogenemic PCOS, and using a stepwise multiple regression, only HOMA-S and WHR were retained in the model (R2 = 0.294, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION 17-OHPE exhibited different relationships with anthropometric, and biochemical parameters in PCOS patients, depending on the androgen levels. In PCOS subjects with high androgen concentrations, 17-OHPE was negatively associated with most anthropometric parameters, particularly with those used as markers of adipose tissue dysfunction and frequently employed as predictors of cardiovascular disease risk; otherwise, 17-OHPE was positively associated with HDL-C and HOMA-S in this patients. Future studies are required to evaluate the clinical implications of these novel findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastião Freitas de Medeiros
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsMedical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine and MenopauseCuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | | | - Nayara de Souza Santos
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsMedical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine and MenopauseCuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Camila Regis Banhara
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsMedical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Tropical Institute of Reproductive Medicine and MenopauseCuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
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Tirabassi G, Boscaro M, Arnaldi G. Harmful effects of functional hypercortisolism: a working hypothesis. Endocrine 2014; 46:370-86. [PMID: 24282037 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-013-0112-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Functional hypercortisolism (FH) is caused by conditions able to chronically activate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and usually occurs in cases of major depression, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, simple obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, shift work, and end-stage renal disease. Most of these states belong to pseudo-Cushing disease, a condition which is difficult to distinguish from Cushing's syndrome and characterized not only by biochemical findings but also by objective ones that can be attributed to hypercortisolism (e.g., striae rubrae, central obesity, skin atrophy, easy bruising, etc.). This hormonal imbalance, although reversible and generally mild, could mediate some systemic complications, mainly but not only of a metabolic/cardiovascular nature, which are present in these states and are largely the same as those present in Cushing's syndrome. In this review we aim to discuss the evidence suggesting the emerging negative role for FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Tirabassi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Genazzani AD, Chierchia E, Rattighieri E, Santagni S, Casarosa E, Luisi M, Genazzani AR. Metformin administration restores allopregnanolone response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation in overweight hyperinsulinemic patients with PCOS. Gynecol Endocrinol 2010; 26:684-9. [PMID: 20624011 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2010.500818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the adrenal response in terms of allopregnanolone secretion in a group of hyperinsulinemic patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN Controlled clinical study. SETTING Patients with PCOS in a clinical research environment. PATIENTS Twenty-two overweight patients with PCOS with hyperinsulinism were enrolled after informed consent. INTERVENTIONS All patients underwent hormonal evaluations, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test before and after 4 months of metformin administration (500 mg p.o. bi-daily). Ultrasound examinations and Ferriman-Gallway score were also performed. Main outcome measures. plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol, 17-hydroxy-progesterone (17OHP), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), allopregnanolone, glucose, insulin, C peptide concentrations, body mass index (BMI). RESULTS Metformin administration reduced significantly LH, A, T, insulin and BMI, while allopregnanolone was significantly increased with no change in progesterone plasma levels. Insulin response to OGTT decreased and allopregnanolone response to ACTH stimulation before while this was restored after the treatment interval. The Ferriman-Gallway score as well as the ovarian volume was significantly decreased after 4 months of metformin therapy. CONCLUSIONS In overweight patients with PCOS with hyperinsulinism, allopregnanolone secretion is impaired and metformin administration restored normal allopregnanolone concentrations modulating both steroid syntheses from the ovaries and from adrenal gland.
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Taneja SK, Mandal R. Modulation of Zn-induced hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance in Wistar rat fed modified poultry egg(psi). Biofactors 2009; 35:389-98. [PMID: 19565473 DOI: 10.1002/biof.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Excessive bioavailability of Zn causes Cu and Mg deficiencies resulting in hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance. These defects may ameliorate if the ionic imbalance in them is corrected. In view of this, three groups of rats were included in this study. Initially, they were fed on semi-synthetic equicalories basal diet containing 20 mg Zn (control, group-I), on 40 mg Zn (group-II) and 80 mg Zn/kg diet (group-III) respectively for 3 months. Thereafter, half of the rats in group-II and III were shifted on Cu and Mg enriched modified poultry egg (ME(Psi)) mixed diets (groups-IIME and IIIME) while the remaining were continued to feed on their respective diets for another 3 months completing a total of 6 months. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypercortisolemia, hyperzincemia, hypercupremia and hypermagnesaemia with corresponding increase of lipid droplets in the zona fasciculate of adrenal cortex and reduction in liver glycogen content in rats of groups-II and III were recorded. These changes were linked with a rise in Zn and fall in Cu and Mg in their liver. The addition of ME(Psi) in their diets led to fall of Zn and rise in liver Cu and Mg, and fall in serum Zn, Cu and Mg resulting in the improvement of glucose disposal, increase in insulin sensitivity, reduction in lipid droplets in zona fasciculate and increase in glycogen content in the liver approaching closer to the control group-I. The data suggest that these ME(Psi) can serve as non-pharmacological dietary supplement to prevent insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia in populations who are at higher risk of diabetes mellitus either due to their genetic predisposition of excessive absorption and retention of Zn or due to higher Zn content in the food chain.
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Stener-Victorin E, Ploj K, Larsson BM, Holmäng A. Rats with steroid-induced polycystic ovaries develop hypertension and increased sympathetic nervous system activity. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2005; 3:44. [PMID: 16146570 PMCID: PMC1236959 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-3-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2005] [Accepted: 09/07/2005] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder associated with ovulatory dysfunction, abdominal obesity, hyperandrogenism, hypertension, and insulin resistance. METHODS Our objectives in this study were (1) to estimate sympathetic-adrenal medullary (SAM) activity by measuring mean systolic blood pressure (MSAP) in rats with estradiol valerate (EV)-induced PCO; (2) to estimate alpha1a and alpha2a adrenoceptor expression in a brain area thought to mediate central effects on MSAP regulation and in the adrenal medulla; (3) to assess hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation by measuring adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels in response to novel-environment stress; and (4) to measure abdominal obesity, sex steroids, and insulin sensitivity. RESULTS The PCO rats had significantly higher MSAP than controls, higher levels of alpha1a adrenoceptor mRNA in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and lower levels of alpha2a adrenoceptor mRNA in the PVN and adrenal medulla. After exposure to stress, PCO rats had higher ACTH and CORT levels. Plasma testosterone concentrations were lower in PCO rats, and no differences in insulin sensitivity or in the weight of intraabdominal fat depots were found. CONCLUSION Thus, rats with EV-induced PCO develop hypertension and increased sympathetic and HPA-axis activity without reduced insulin sensitivity, obesity, or hyperandrogenism. These findings may have implications for mechanisms underlying hypertension in PCOS.
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MESH Headings
- Abdominal Fat/anatomy & histology
- Adrenal Medulla/chemistry
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/metabolism
- Animals
- Blood Pressure
- Corticosterone/metabolism
- Estradiol/analogs & derivatives
- Female
- Hypertension/etiology
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiopathology
- Insulin
- Insulin Resistance/physiology
- Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus/chemistry
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/physiopathology
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/chemistry
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/physiopathology
- Progesterone/blood
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred WKY
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1/analysis
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1/genetics
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2/analysis
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2/genetics
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
- Sympathetic Nervous System/physiopathology
- Testosterone/blood
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Stener-Victorin
- Cardiovascular Institute and Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden
- Institute of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Karolina Ploj
- Cardiovascular Institute and Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Britt-Mari Larsson
- Cardiovascular Institute and Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Agneta Holmäng
- Cardiovascular Institute and Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden
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Otte C, Hart S, Neylan TC, Marmar CR, Yaffe K, Mohr DC. A meta-analysis of cortisol response to challenge in human aging: importance of gender. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2005; 30:80-91. [PMID: 15358445 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2004.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2004] [Revised: 05/03/2004] [Accepted: 06/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An increased cortisol response to challenge is associated with a variety of age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, depression, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hypertension. Among the healthy elderly, an increased cortisol response to challenge may be a risk factor for developing these age-related disorders. We searched Pubmed, Embase, PsychInfo, Biosis, and Digital Dissertations (January 1966-June 2003) and included 45 parallel-group (young vs. old subjects) studies that used either a pharmacological or psychological challenge in healthy volunteers and measured cortisol response to challenge. We calculated effect sizes (Cohen's d) for the standardized mean differences between groups. Compared to younger controls (n=670, mean age 28 years +/-5), older subjects (n=625, 69+/-6) showed a larger cortisol response to challenge defined as stronger response to stimulation or less inhibition after a suppression test (d=0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.26-0.57). The effect of age on cortisol release was significantly stronger in women (d=0.65, 95% CI 0.34-0.97) than men (d=0.24, 95% CI 0.02-0.47). Our results demonstrate that aging increases the cortisol response to challenge. This effect of age on cortisol response is almost three-fold stronger in women than men. Prospective studies should explore whether the higher cortisol response in the elderly is a risk factor for developing neuropsychiatric and medical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Otte
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Farah-Eways L, Reyna R, Knochenhauer ES, Bartolucci AA, Azziz R. Glucose action and adrenocortical biosynthesis in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril 2004; 81:120-5. [PMID: 14711554 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if insulin or glucose action plays a role in adrenocortical steroidogenesis in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENT(S) Nine reproductive-aged patients with PCOS and nine age-, race-, and body mass index-matched controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance testing and an acute 60-minute ACTH-(1-24) stimulation test. From the glucose tolerance test, glucose and insulin were measured and the insulin sensitivity index, glucose effectiveness, and acute insulin response to glucose were determined. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) basally and 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, DHEA, androstenedione, and cortisol during ACTH testing at 0 and 60 minute (steroid(0) and steroid(60)) were determined. The net change in steroid during the ACTH test was calculated. RESULT(S) The insulin sensitivity index had limited correlation with adrenocortical variables in both groups. In patients with PCOS, glucose effectiveness was positively associated with DHEAS, cortisol(0), cortisol(60), change in cortisol, DHEA(0), DHEA(60), change in DHEA, 17-hydroxyprenenolone(60), change in 17-hydroxypregnenolone, DHEA(0), androstenedione(0), 17-hydroxyprenenolone(0), 17-hydroxyprogesterone(0), 17-hydroxyprenenolone(60), and 17-hydroxyprogesterone(60). CONCLUSION(S) Adrenocortical biosynthesis, basally and in response to ACTH, appears to be closely associated with glucose effectiveness in PCOS. A common factor determining both the effectiveness of glucose to control its own production or uptake and adrenocortical biosynthesis may be aberrant in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Farah-Eways
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Richardson AP, Tayek JA. Type 2 diabetic patients may have a mild form of an injury response: a clinical research center study. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2002; 282:E1286-90. [PMID: 12006358 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00132.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Patients with type 2 diabetes (DM) demonstrate inadequate insulin release, elevated gluconeogenesis, and diminished nonoxidative glucose disposal. Similar metabolic changes occur during systemic injury caused by infection, trauma, or cancer. Described here are metabolic changes occurring in 16 DM and 11 lung cancer patients (CA) and 13 normal volunteers (NV). After a 10-h overnight fast, all subjects had fasting hormone and substrate concentrations determined, along with rates of glucose production, leucine appearance (LA), and leucine oxidation (LO). Fasting insulin (data not shown) and C-peptide concentrations were elevated in DM and CA compared with weight-matched NV (0.72 +/- 0.09 and 0.64 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.51 +/- 0.03 mg/l, P < 0.05). C-reactive protein concentration was elevated in CA compared with DM and NV (23.3 +/- 6.0 vs. 4.2 +/- 1.4 and 2.1 +/- 0.5 mg/l, P < 0.01). All counterregulatory hormones were normal except for serum cortisol (11.4 +/- 1.0 and 12.1 +/- 1.0 vs. 8.9 +/- 0.7 microg/dl, DM and CA vs. NL, respectively, P < 0.05). Glucose production was increased in DM and CA compared with NV (4.22 +/- 0.6 and 3.53 +/- 0.3 vs. 2.76 +/- 0.2 mg x kg lean body wt(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.01). LO and LA were increased in DM and CA compared with NV (LO: 27.3 +/- 1.5 and 19.7 +/- 1.5 vs. 12.5 +/- 1.1 mmol x kg lean body wt(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.05; LA: 91.9 +/- 6.6 and 90.7 +/- 7.0 vs. 79.1 +/- 6.0 mmol. kg lean body wt(-1) x min(-1), P < 0.01). DM share similar metabolic derangements with CA. The increase in LA may be secondary to an increased glucose production where amino acids are mobilized to provide the liver with adequate substrate to make glucose. The increase in glucose production may also be part of the injury response, or it may represent a form of insulin resistance that exists in both the DM and (non-DM) CA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur P Richardson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, California 90509, USA
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Weber-Hamann B, Hentschel F, Kniest A, Deuschle M, Colla M, Lederbogen F, Heuser I. Hypercortisolemic depression is associated with increased intra-abdominal fat. Psychosom Med 2002; 64:274-7. [PMID: 11914443 DOI: 10.1097/00006842-200203000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Similar to patients with a metabolic syndrome, patients with major depression are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disorders. Interestingly, both disorders share a specific endocrine syndrome that promotes the accumulation of visceral fat, which again is considered a marker of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. METHODS Intra-abdominal fat was measured in 22 postmenopausal depressed women and 23 age-matched healthy women by computer tomography at the level of lumbar vertebrae 1 (L1) and 4 (L4). Saliva was taken in patients and control subjects at 08:00 hours over a period of 7 drug-free days for the measurement of free cortisol. In patients only we performed an oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, depressed patients with elevated free cortisol concentrations showed similar visceral fat depots at L1 (113.0 +/- 41.6 vs. 94.3 +/- 53.2 cm(2)). Hypercortisolemic depressed patients also showed greater fat depots in this area (74.5 +/- 55.5 cm(2), p =.04) than the normocortisolemic patients. However, a comparison of all patients with control subjects revealed no difference in fat accumulation at either L1 or L4. Finally, glucose concentrations during the glucose tolerance test were higher in hypercortisolemic than in normocortisolemic patients, whereas their insulin levels showed only a tendency toward being increased. CONCLUSIONS Hypercortisolemic depressed patients suffer from resistance to insulin and increased visceral fat. The fact that hypercortisolemia reverses depression-related fat loss, particularly in the visceral area, might partially explain why major depression can be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders.
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Reynolds RM, Walker BR, Syddall HE, Whorwood CB, Wood PJ, Phillips DI. Elevated plasma cortisol in glucose-intolerant men: differences in responses to glucose and habituation to venepuncture. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001; 86:1149-53. [PMID: 11238500 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.86.3.7300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that variations in cortisol activity within the physiological range contribute to associations between multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Plasma cortisol measurements during a glucose tolerance test differ in men with hypertension, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance, but it is unclear whether this reflects altered responses of cortisol to glucose, altered circadian rhythm, or altered habituation to multiple sampling. We performed a single-blind randomized cross-over study comparing 75 g oral glucose with placebo in 39 fasted men (22 glucose intolerant and 17 controls) aged 68-77 yr. In all subjects, plasma cortisol fell during the glucose tolerance test. Subjects with glucose intolerance had significantly higher plasma cortisol following placebo (P = 0.001), suggesting an altered circadian rhythm. Treatment with an oral glucose load blunted the circadian fall in plasma cortisol (P = 0.002), but this response was no different in controls or glucose intolerant subjects. In addition, 0900 h plasma cortisol was higher in the first study phase in controls (P = 0.01) but not in glucose-intolerant subjects (P = 0.18), who showed a lack of habituation to repeated plasma measurements. These data support the hypothesis that alterations in central regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may be important in glucose intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Reynolds
- Medical Research Council Environmental Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, SO16 6YD Southampton, United Kingdom.
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Kero J, Poutanen M, Zhang FP, Rahman N, McNicol AM, Nilson JH, Keri RA, Huhtaniemi IT. Elevated luteinizing hormone induces expression of its receptor and promotes steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex. J Clin Invest 2000; 105:633-41. [PMID: 10712435 PMCID: PMC289173 DOI: 10.1172/jci7716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic (TG) female mice expressing bLHbeta-CTP (a chimeric protein derived from the beta-subunit of bovine luteinizing hormone [LH] and a fragment of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]) exhibit elevated serum LH, infertility, polycystic ovaries, and ovarian tumors. In humans, increased LH secretion also occurs in infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome, often concomitant with adrenocortical dysfunction. We therefore investigated adrenal function in LH overexpressing bLHbeta-CTP female mice. The size of their adrenals was increased by 80% with histological signs of cortical stimulation. Furthermore, adrenal steroid production was increased, with up to 14-fold elevated serum corticosterone. Primary adrenal cells from TG and control females responded similarly to ACTH stimulation, but, surprisingly, the TG adrenals responded to hCG with significantly increased cAMP, progesterone, and corticosterone production. LH receptor (LHR) expression and activity were also elevated in adrenals from female TG mice, but gonadectomized TG females showed no increase in corticosterone, suggesting that the dysfunctional ovaries of the intact TG females promote adrenocortical hyperfunction. We suggest that, in intact TG females, enhanced ovarian estrogen synthesis causes increased secretion of prolactin (PRL), which elevates LHR expression. Chronically elevated serum LH, augmented by enhanced PRL production, induces functional LHR expression in mouse adrenal cortex, leading to elevated, LH-dependent, corticosterone production. Thus, besides polycystic ovaries, the bLHbeta-CTP mice provide a useful model for studying human disorders related to elevated LH secretion and adrenocortical hyperfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kero
- Department of Physiology, and. Department of Pediatrics, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland. Department of Pathology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, United Kingdom
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Risch HA. Hormonal etiology of epithelial ovarian cancer, with a hypothesis concerning the role of androgens and progesterone. J Natl Cancer Inst 1998; 90:1774-86. [PMID: 9839517 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/90.23.1774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 558] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, ovarian cancer is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer death among women, following lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. Each year, approximately 26,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14,000 die of it. Germline mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, or other genes have been implicated in a small fraction of cases. However, it has been suggested that, for the great majority of patients, the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer could be related to "incessant ovulation" (i.e., to the chronically repeated formation of stromal epithelial clefts and inclusion cysts following ovulation) or to some type of hormonal stimulation of ovarian epithelial cells, either on the surface of the ovary or within ovarian inclusion cysts, possibly mediated through excessive gonadotropin secretion. From the evidence to date, the relative importance of these two hypotheses--incessant ovulation and gonadotropin stimulation--cannot be distinguished. While either or both may play a role in the development of ovarian cancer, it appears that an additional major factor must also be involved. The purpose of this review is to evaluate evidence for and against the incessant ovulation and gonadotropin hypotheses, as well as to consider the possibility that risk of ovarian cancer may be increased by factors associated with excess androgenic stimulation of ovarian epithelial cells and may be decreased by factors related to greater progesterone stimulation. Many features of the evidence bearing on the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer appear to support a connection with androgens and progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Risch
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
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Fernández-Real JM, Engel WR, Simó R, Salinas I, Webb SM. Study of glucose tolerance in consecutive patients harbouring incidental adrenal tumours. Study Group of Incidental Adrenal Adenoma. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1998; 49:53-61. [PMID: 9797847 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1998.00437.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinically silent cortisol hypersecretion has been frequently observed in recent series of adrenal 'incidentalomas'. A significant body of data indicates that a spectrum of cortisol excess exists. Up to 90% of patients with cortisol hypersecretion are glucose intolerant. The aim of this study was (1) to assess glucose tolerance in consecutive patients with 'nonfunctioning' adrenal adenomas, and (2) to study the influence of the status of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) on carbohydrate tolerance. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-four consecutive patients with nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas (non-hypersecretory) diagnosed between September 1995 and July 1996 in five hospitals were included in the study. The prevalence of glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus was determined with an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) according to the recommendations of the National Diabetes Data Group. Twenty-three consecutive unselected patients diagnosed with 'nonfunctioning' adrenal adenoma were enrolled in a study to determine the influence of HPAA status on carbohydrate tolerance. In these patients, in addition to basal and post-dexamethasone serum and urinary free cortisol concentrations, assessment of peripheral sensitivity to insulin (estimated during the oGTT according to a previously validated method) and adrenal sensitivity to ACTH (calculated from the CRH test) were performed. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were considered to have normal glucose tolerance (95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the mean of 2 h glucose, 5.5-6.5 mmol/l); 17 showed glucose intolerance (95% CI 8.5-9.3 mmol/l); and 22 were classified as having diabetes mellitus (95% CI 12.1-14.6 mmol/l), including six patients with previously known diabetes mellitus. These three groups were comparable in age, sex, body mass index, waist-hip ratio and concomitant diseases. Thus, the prevalence of disturbed glucose tolerance was 39/64 (61%), well above the prevalence of NIDDM described in a population of similar age in our area. Among the 23 patients included in the study of HPAA status, the size of the tumour correlated with serum cortisol after dexamethasone (DXM) (r = 0.52, P < 0.01) and 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC) after DXM (r = 0.55, P < 0.01), and negatively with DHEAs (r = -0.42, P = 0.04). The area under the curve for ACTH after hCRH (AUCacth) correlated negatively with both UFC (r = -0.40, P = 0.04) and serum cortisol after dexamethasone (r = -0.47, P = 0.02). The degree of peripheral sensitivity to insulin (SI) positively correlated with adrenal sensitivity (r = 0.56, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence (61%) of disturbed glucose tolerance was found among consecutive patients harbouring incidental 'nonfunctional' adrenal adenomas. Therefore, patients with incidental adrenal tumours should be tested for glucose tolerance. The positive correlation between insulin sensitivity and adrenal sensitivity to ACTH suggests that, in these patients, insulin resistance hampers ACTH action at the level of the adrenal.
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