Low glucocorticoids in stress-related disorders: the role of inflammation.

We described changes in the glucocorticoid system and inflammatory reaction as parts of an integral system, where glucocorticoids and the glucocorticoid receptor reside at the apex of a regulatory network that blocks several inflammatory pathways, while decreased glucocorticoid signaling and/or level leads to unchecked inflammatory reactions to promote pathologies such as PTSD.Lay summary: This review emphasizes the importance of inflammatory reaction in the development of puzzling conditions sometimes observed in severe diseases including post-traumatic stress disorder -the decreased levels of glucocorticoids in the blood. Following the classical concepts, one would expect an increase in glucocorticoid hormones, since they are part of the feedback mechanism in the immune system, which reduces stress and inflammation. However, low levels of glucocorticoid hormones are also observed. Thus, this review describes potential mechanisms, which can lead to the development of such a state. PMID: 32401103 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Stress - Category: Research Tags: Stress Source Type: research