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Polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis: the endocrine relations and the pathogenesis. Review

R Imrich1, V Bosak, J Rovensky

  • 1Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia. richard.imrich@savba.sk

Endocrine Regulations
|November 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and temporal arteritis (TA) are inflammatory conditions in older adults. Research suggests neuroendocrine-immune interactions and low adrenal androgens may play a role, with potential for androgen supplementation in treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell/temporal arteritis (TA) are chronic inflammatory conditions primarily affecting the elderly.
  • PMR is characterized by inflammation and muscle pain in the shoulder and pelvic girdle.
  • TA manifestations vary based on the affected artery, often involving aortic arch branches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the unclear etiology of PMR and TA.
  • To discuss the association with the HLA system and inflammatory response characteristics.
  • To investigate the role of age-related neuroendocrine changes and neuroendocrine-immune interactions in disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on PMR and TA.
  • Discussion of genetic predispositions and inflammatory markers.
  • Analysis of neuroendocrine-immune system interactions in chronic inflammation.

Main Results:

  • The etiology of PMR and TA remains largely unknown.
  • Age-related neuroendocrine changes may contribute to pathogenesis in genetically susceptible individuals.
  • PMR patients show reduced cortisol levels during inflammation and decreased adrenal androgens.

Conclusions:

  • The effectiveness of glucocorticoids in PMR suggests altered cortisol levels.
  • Decreased adrenal androgens in PMR indicate potential therapeutic avenues.
  • Adrenal androgen supplementation may offer new treatment prospects for PMR and TA.

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