Medical Study of Cortisol vs Metabolic Syndrome
Type 2 Diabetes & Peripheral Vascular Disease Risks
May 30, 2009
“The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk for type 2 diabetes...and vascular disease...review [of study] summarizes the evidence on the potent role of cortisol....,” according to an article titled, “The Pathogenetic Role of Cortisol in the Metabolic Syndrome: A Hypothesis.” The study article is published on the PubMed web site, and dated May 26, 2009. The authors of the study are:
- Anagnostis P.
- Athyros VG.
- Tziomalos K.
- Karagiannis A.
- Mikhailidis DP.
The study data contributors are:
- Endocrinology Clinic, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Prevention Clinic) and Department of Surgery, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College Medical School, University College London, London, UK.
Obesity Statistics & Cushing’s Syndrome Relationship to MetS
According to the university medical study the typical characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are similar to Cushing’s syndrome with a link to obesity involving “...prolonged and excessive exposure to glucocorticoids [hormone produced to treat inflammatory conditions and regulate metabolism].” The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of cortisol (a steroid hormone produced by the body to regulate metabolism) in MetS, and evaluate treatment approaches. Medical studies of MetS during the last twenty years were reviewed.
Research on Obesity & Chronic Stress
The university medical study suggests that MetS patients show hyperactivity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis causing hypercortisolism (excess production of cortisol). The evidence shows that chronic stress may play a role in helping to produce excessive cortisol. The study concluded that 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD1) “...at the tissue level also modulates cortisol metabolism...increased activity...might contribute to the development of several features of MetS. ” The study concluded by stating that metabolic syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome share the same characteristics, and that cortisol is most likely to play a major role in the development of MetS...both at a central and at a peripheral level.”
MetS Risks for Coronary Heart Disease & Stroke Causes
“The underlying causes of metabolic syndrome are overweight, obesity, physical inactivity and genetic factors,” according to an (author unknown) article titled “What is Metabolic Syndrome?” The article, dated 02/16/2009, is published on the American Heart Association Web Site. According to the article “Metabolic syndrome is when a person has a group of metabolic risk factors including:"
- Abdominal obesity and overweight.
- High cholesterol.
- Diabetic insulin resistance or glucose intolerance.
- Prothombotic state (blood protein, globulin, interacts with thrombin to form fibrin which is fibrous network in the coagulation of blood; An overactive blood enzyme).
- High blood pressure.
- Proinflammatory state (high-sensitivity C-restive protein in blood).
“People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease, and other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls, and type 2 diabetes, “ states the American Heart Association article.
The university medical study of metabolic syndrome concludes that excessive cortisol may be the primary culprit for MetS. The American Heart Association article list of MetS causes also relate to cortisol, especially metabolic insulin resistance. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, lack of exercise, and a high fat diet may also contribute to this complex condition.
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