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Alcohol, aging, and the stress response.

R L Spencer1, K E Hutchison

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA.

Alcohol Research & Health : the Journal of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
|July 13, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Chronic alcohol use and aging interact with the body's stress hormone system (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). This complex relationship can lead to accelerated aging and altered stress responses.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • The body's stress response involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing glucocorticoids.
  • Chronic excessive glucocorticoid secretion is linked to adverse health outcomes like Cushing's syndrome.
  • Alcohol intoxication activates the HPA axis, increasing glucocorticoid levels, potentially contributing to alcohol's rewarding effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the intricate three-way interaction between alcohol consumption, HPA axis activity, and the aging process.
  • To understand how aging influences HPA axis function and alcohol sensitivity.
  • To explore the role of HPA axis activation in alcohol-induced premature aging.

Main Methods:

  • This study reviews existing literature on HPA axis function, alcohol metabolism, and aging.
  • Analysis of physiological responses to alcohol and stress hormones in aging populations.
  • Examination of molecular mechanisms linking glucocorticoids, alcohol, and aging.

Main Results:

  • Alcohol consumption activates the HPA axis, leading to elevated glucocorticoids.
  • Tolerance to alcohol's HPA axis effects can develop with chronic use.
  • Both chronic alcohol consumption and glucocorticoid exposure can accelerate aging.
  • Aging alters HPA axis function and alcohol sensitivity, potentially impairing adaptation to chronic alcohol exposure.

Conclusions:

  • A complex interplay exists between alcohol, the HPA axis, and aging.
  • HPA axis activation may contribute to accelerated aging seen in chronic alcohol consumption.
  • Aging may compromise the HPA axis's ability to cope with chronic alcohol exposure, highlighting potential health risks.

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