[17-KS sulfate as a biomarker in psychosocial stress]

We found an association between low levels of 17-Ketosteroid Sulfates (17-KS-S) in subjects under psychosocial stress. Stress associated with overwork and lack of sleep resulted in decreased levels of 17-KS-S and an increase in 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) levels. Alleviation of stress condition was associated with a restoration of the ratio of 17-KS-S/17-OHCS resulting from a slow increase in 17-KS-S and a decrease in 17-OHCS. In subjects with severe mental stress the ratio of 17-KS-S/17-OHCS showed markedly reduced values with a transient marked increase in 17-OHCS. There was a decrease in the levels of 17-KS-S in depressives, which was more pronounced during severe depression. There was no significant difference in 17-OHCS levels. In a cohort experiencing bereavement, there was a reduction in the levels of 17-KS-S, which remained low for about 50 days. With time, the level of 17-KS-S returned to the basal level established prior to spousal death. In this case, there was no significant change in the levels of 17-OHCS. Persistent severe stress over several months in a physician, led to a Herpes Zoster outbreak and Arrhythmia, resulting in hospital admission. The levels of 17-KS-S gradually decreased over this time reaching 1/3 of the normal baseline value, while 17-OHCS levels remained within normal ranges. These results suggest that measurement of 17-KS-S is indispensable for current research on psychosocial stress.