Adrenal aging and its effects on the stress response and immunosenescence. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stamou, Maria I.; Colling, Caitlin; Dichtel, Laura E.
• Is Part Of: Maturitas. Volume 168(2023)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Adrenal aging -- Adrenal glands -- Stress -- Immunosenescence; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Middle Aged -- Periodicals; Climatère -- Périodiques; Ménopause -- Périodiques; Climacterium; Climacteric; Menopause; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 612.66
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.10.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-5122

Abstract

Highlights: Aging is linked to higher mean cortisol levels. During aging, the sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to negative cortisol feedback decreases. Aging is associated with reduced aldosterone and DHEA(S) secretion. Altered HPA axis function with aging may contribute to age-related changes in metabolic and immune function. Abstract: Normal aging is linked to various endocrine gland changes, including changes in the adrenal glands. Aging is linked to alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, including an increase in cortisol levels, a disruption of the negative cortisol feedback, and attenuation of cortisol's diurnal pattern. In addition, secretion of aldosterone and adrenal androgens [dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS)] from the adrenal cortex decreases with aging. In this review, we describe normal adrenal function, the adrenal response to stress and immunomodulation in aging individuals as well as the effects of adrenal aging on body composition, metabolic profile, bone health and cognition.