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Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Filip Van Den Eede1, Greta Moorkens, Boudewijn Van Houdenhove
1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. filip.van.den.eede@uza.be
Neuropsychobiology
|June 29, 2007
Summary
Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may have hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hypofunction. This review explores HPA axis role in CFS, finding hypocortisolism and altered stress responses contribute to symptom propagation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex, debilitating disorder.
- Evidence suggests hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction in a subset of CFS patients.
- Previous studies face methodological challenges and conflicting results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review challenge studies investigating the HPA axis in CFS pathogenesis.
- To elucidate the role of HPA axis disturbances in CFS.
Main Methods:
- Focused review of HPA axis challenge studies in chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Analysis of HPA axis response to various stressors.
Main Results:
- Findings indicate mild hypocortisolism in CFS patients.
- Blunted adrenocorticotropin response to stressors observed.
- Enhanced negative feedback sensitivity to glucocorticoids noted.
Conclusions:
- HPA axis dysfunction is present in a proportion of CFS patients.
- The primary role of these disturbances in CFS pathogenesis remains debated.
- HPA axis dysfunctions likely contribute to symptom propagation, even if secondary.
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