Glucocorticoid sensitivity in humans-interindividual differences and acute stress effects

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Stress Physiology
• Molecular Endocrinology

Background:

• The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is central to the neuroendocrine stress response, releasing glucocorticoids (GCs).
• GCs exert widespread effects, generally protective of homeostasis, but can be detrimental under HPA axis hyper- or hypoactivity.
• The ultimate impact of GCs depends on target tissue sensitivity, which is not uniform.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current data on variations in glucocorticoid sensitivity.
• To explore factors influencing glucocorticoid sensitivity, including disease states, chronic stress, and acute stressors.
• To examine the acute modulation of glucocorticoid sensitivity in response to physiological and psychological stress.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on HPA axis function and glucocorticoid sensitivity.
• Synthesis of data from studies on patients with somatic and psychiatric diseases.
• Analysis of studies investigating acute stressor effects (exercise, psychosocial) on glucocorticoid sensitivity in healthy individuals.

Main Results:

• Glucocorticoid sensitivity differs significantly between target tissues within individuals.
• Individual variations in glucocorticoid sensitivity are substantial.
• Acute stress, such as exercise or psychosocial challenges, can rapidly alter glucocorticoid sensitivity in healthy adults.
• Age and sex hormone status appear to influence the pattern of acute glucocorticoid sensitivity modulation.

Conclusions:

• Glucocorticoid sensitivity is a dynamic and variable trait, influenced by disease, chronic stress, and acute stimuli.
• Understanding the factors modulating glucocorticoid sensitivity is crucial for comprehending its diverse physiological and pathological roles.
• The precise molecular mechanisms underlying the acute modulation of glucocorticoid sensitivity require further investigation.