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Hyperactivity in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: An Invisible Killer for Anxiety and/or Depression in

Lan-Shuan Feng1, Yi-Ming Wang1, Huan Liu1,2

  • 1First Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 712046 Xianyang, Shaanxi, China.

Journal of Integrative Neuroscience
|December 30, 2024
PubMed

Insights

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a key role in managing stress and inflammation, offering potential therapeutic targets for patients with both coronary heart disease (CHD) and anxiety or depression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Comorbidity of anxiety or depression with coronary heart disease (CHD) presents a significant clinical challenge.
  • The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is increasingly recognized for its role in mediating the interplay between stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the relevance of HPA axis activity in the context of cardiovascular and nervous systems.
  • To explore the mechanisms by which HPA axis function influences neuroprotection and cardioprotection.
  • To summarize the therapeutic potential of HPA axis modulation for comorbid CHD and anxiety or depression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on HPA axis activity.
  • Analysis of HPA axis mechanisms in regulating inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, platelet activation, and gut microbiota.
  • Synthesis of research on neuroprotective and cardioprotective benefits.

Main Results:

  • HPA axis activity influences inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, platelet activation, and gut microbiota.
  • These regulatory functions contribute to neuronal and endothelial cell survival and regeneration.
  • The HPA axis demonstrates neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects.

Conclusions:

  • HPA axis function is integral to the neuro-cardiovascular system.
  • Modulating HPA axis activity holds therapeutic potential for managing comorbid CHD and anxiety or depression.
  • HPA axis function may serve as a valuable biomarker for this patient population.

Keywords:
CHDHPA axisanxietydepressionmechanism of action

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