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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis dysfunction by early life stress
Mario F Juruena1, Martha Bourne1, Allan H Young1
1Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience-King's College London, UK.
Neuroscience Letters
|June 11, 2021
Summary
Early life stress (ELS) can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing the risk for adult mental health disorders. This review examines how ELS impacts HPA axis function and homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Stress and Mental Health
Background:
- Early life stress (ELS) is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for severe mental health disorders in adulthood.
- Persistent dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a key mechanism linking ELS to adult psychopathology.
- Psychological stress impacts an individual's homeostatic state, with HPA axis dysregulation affecting hormone receptor binding and overall balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize existing literature on the relationship between early life stress (ELS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning.
- To explore how ELS-induced changes in the HPA axis contribute to mental health disorders in adulthood.
- To examine the role of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in mediating the long-term effects of ELS on stress response.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies investigating ELS and HPA axis function.
- Analysis of research on the impact of ELS on glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor sensitivity.
- Examination of the relationship between HPA axis dysregulation and adult mental health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests ELS induces persistent alterations in HPA axis responsiveness to stress in adulthood.
- Dysregulation involves impaired negative feedback mechanisms mediated by glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors.
- These persistent changes increase vulnerability to stress-related mental health disorders, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals.
Conclusions:
- ELS can lead to long-lasting HPA axis dysregulation, a critical factor in adult mental health.
- The ability of glucocorticoids to bind to MR and GR receptors is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and limiting stress-related disease vulnerability.
- Understanding the ELS-HPA axis connection is vital for developing targeted interventions for stress-related mental health conditions.
Keywords:
CorticosteroidEarly life stressGlucocorticoid receptorHypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axisMineralocorticoid receptorStressMore Related Videos
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