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Cortisol on Circadian Rhythm and Its Effect on Cardiovascular System
Nor Amira Syahira Mohd Azmi1, Norsham Juliana1, Sahar Azmani1
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|January 20, 2021
Summary
Cortisol, regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, influences cardiovascular health through its 24-hour circadian rhythm. Understanding this rhythm may lead to new cardioprotective therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulates cortisol synthesis and secretion.
- Cortisol exhibits a 24-hour circadian rhythm impacting brain, autonomic nervous system, heart, and vasculature.
- This rhythm optimizes cardiovascular function during behavioral cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cortisol in cardiovascular regulation and its circadian rhythm.
- To explore 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) as a therapeutic target.
- To identify potential cardioprotective agents based on cortisol's effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature search conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus.
- Keywords included "circadian rhythm and cardiovascular", "cortisol", and related cardiovascular conditions.
- A total of 120 articles were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Cortisol levels are lowest at sleep onset and peak upon waking.
- 11β-HSD1 is implicated in cortisol excess and metabolic abnormalities.
- Cortisol's circadian rhythm significantly influences cardiovascular system function.
Conclusions:
- Cortisol's circadian rhythm plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health.
- Inhibiting 11β-HSD1 may offer therapeutic benefits for metabolic disorders.
- Further research into cortisol's cardiovascular effects can guide the development of cardioprotective agents.
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