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Langouche L, Téblick A, Gunst J, Van den Berghe G. The Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical Response to Critical Illness: A Concept in Need of Revision. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:1096-1106. [PMID: 37409973 PMCID: PMC10638597 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on insights obtained during the past decade, the classical concept of an activated hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis in response to critical illness is in need of revision. After a brief central hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis activation, the vital maintenance of increased systemic cortisol availability and action in response to critical illness is predominantly driven by peripheral adaptations rather than by an ongoing centrally activated several-fold increased production and secretion of cortisol. Besides the known reduction of cortisol-binding proteins that increases free cortisol, these peripheral responses comprise suppressed cortisol metabolism in liver and kidney, prolonging cortisol half-life, and local alterations in expression of 11βHSD1, glucocorticoid receptor-α (GRα), and FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP51) that appear to titrate increased GRα action in vital organs and tissues while reducing GRα action in neutrophils, possibly preventing immune-suppressive off-target effects of increased systemic cortisol availability. Peripherally increased cortisol exerts negative feed-back inhibition at the pituitary level impairing processing of pro-opiomelanocortin into ACTH, thereby reducing ACTH-driven cortisol secretion, whereas ongoing central activation results in increased circulating pro-opiomelanocortin. These alterations seem adaptive and beneficial for the host in the short term. However, as a consequence, patients with prolonged critical illness who require intensive care for weeks or longer may develop a form of central adrenal insufficiency. The new findings supersede earlier concepts such as "relative," as opposed to "absolute," adrenal insufficiency and generalized systemic glucocorticoid resistance in the critically ill. The findings also question the scientific basis for broad implementation of stress dose hydrocortisone treatment of patients suffering from acute septic shock solely based on assumption of cortisol insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies Langouche
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arno Téblick
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Gunst
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Van den Berghe
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Ilias I, Vassiliou AG, Keskinidou C, Vrettou CS, Orfanos S, Kotanidou A, Dimopoulou I. Changes in Cortisol Secretion and Corticosteroid Receptors in COVID-19 and Non COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis/Septic Shock and Scope for Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1801. [PMID: 37509441 PMCID: PMC10376106 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is associated with dysregulated cortisol secretion, leading to abnormal levels of cortisol in the blood. In the early stages of the condition, cortisol levels are typically elevated due to increased secretion from the adrenal glands. However, as the disease progresses, cortisol levels may decline due to impaired adrenal function, leading to relative adrenal insufficiency. The latter is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including impaired adrenal function, decreased production of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and increased breakdown of cortisol. The dysregulation of cortisol secretion in sepsis is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease by impairing the body's ability to mount an appropriate inflammatory response. Given the dysregulation of cortisol secretion and corticosteroid receptors in sepsis, there has been considerable interest in the use of steroids as a treatment. However, clinical trials have yielded mixed results and corticosteroid use in sepsis remains controversial. In this review, we will discuss the changes in cortisol secretion and corticosteroid receptors in critically ill patients with sepsis/septic shock. We will also make special note of COVID-19 patients, who presented a recent challenge for ICU management, and explore the scope for corticosteroid administration in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 septic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Ilias
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Elena Venizelou Hospital, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Alice G Vassiliou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, GR-10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysi Keskinidou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, GR-10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Charikleia S Vrettou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, GR-10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Orfanos
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, GR-10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, GR-10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Dimopoulou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, GR-10676 Athens, Greece
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3
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Endocrine Aspects of ICU-Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101703. [PMID: 36294842 PMCID: PMC9604718 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented scale of the current SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic has led to an extensive—yet fragmented—assessment of its endocrine repercussions; in many reports, the endocrine aspects of COVID-19 are lumped together in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and non-ICU patients. In this brief review, we aimed to present endocrine alterations in ICU-hospitalized patients with COVID-19. There are tangible endocrine disturbances that may provide fertile ground for COVID-19, such as preexisting diabetes. Other endocrine disturbances accompany the disease and more particularly its severe forms. Up to the time of writing, no isolated robust endocrine/hormonal biomarkers for the prognosis of COVID-19 have been presented. Among those which may be easily available are admission glycemia, thyroid hormones, and maybe (OH)25-vitamin D3. Their overlap among patients with severe and less severe forms of COVID-19 may be considerable, so their levels may be indicative only. We have shown that insulin-like growth factor 1 may have prognostic value, but this is not a routine measurement. Possibly, as our current knowledge is expanding, the inclusion of selected routine endocrine/hormonal measurements into artificial intelligence/machine learning models may provide further information.
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Yu Y, Tang Z, Xie M, Li J, Hang CC, An L, Li C. Glucocorticoid receptor expression in patients with cardiac arrest in the early period after the return of spontaneous circulation: a prospective observational single-centre study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060246. [PMID: 36691201 PMCID: PMC9462114 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rapid changes in glucocorticoid (GC) levels and adrenal insufficiency are related to the development of post-cardiac arrest (CA) syndrome. However, GC receptor (GR) expression changes have not been studied. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association of early changes in GR expression and prognosis and immune response in patients who experienced CA. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING Emergency department. PARTICIPANTS Patients (85) in the early period of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after CA were admitted between October 2018 and October 2019. After a physical examination, age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals (40) were recruited for the control group. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES GR expression and cell counts of circulatory T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells were assessed. Plasma total cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels were also tested. RESULTS All cell counts were lower, and plasma total cortisol levels were higher (p<0.001) in patients who experienced CA than in the healthy control group. GR expression in Treg cells and CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes were not significantly different, but the mean fluorescence intensity and GR expression in other cells were lower in patients who experienced CA (p<0.05) than in the healthy control group. ACTH levels were not different. There were no significant differences between survivors and non-survivors. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that GR expression and cell counts rapidly decreased, whereas plasma total cortisol levels increased in the early period after ROSC among patients who experienced CA. Our findings provide important information about GR level and function, and immunosuppressive status in these patients. Assessing GR expression in patients who experienced CA may help screening for those who are more sensitive to GC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Yu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Ziren Tang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Miaorong Xie
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Jiabao Li
- Department of Critical Care, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Chen-Chen Hang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Le An
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, Beijing, China
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Tang B, Han J, Wang F, Li X, Zhao C. GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of acute myelitis patients can assist in the identification of glucocorticoid sensitivity and are correlated with glucocorticoid therapeutic effect. Ann Hum Genet 2022; 86:268-277. [PMID: 35730764 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute myelitis (AM) is a rare neuro-immune spinal cord disease. This study sought to explore the transcription level of glucocorticoid (GC) receptors α and β (GR-α/GR-β) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their correlation with GC efficacy and sensitivity in AM patients. AM patients were grouped into the GC-sensitive group (N = 80) and GC-refractory group (N = 67). The GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels in PBMCs were detected. The differentiating value of GR-α, GR-β, and GR-α + GR-β on GC sensitivity and resistance in AM patients was assessed. The independent correlation between GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels and GC sensitivity in AM patients,t and the correlation between GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels and spinal function after GC treatment were analyzed. GR-α mRNA level in PBMCs of GC-refractory patients was lower than that of GC-sensitive patients, while GR-β mRNA level was higher than that of GC-sensitive patients. GR-α + GR-β mRNA had a high diagnostic value for GC sensitivity and resistance in AM patients (area under the ROC curve = 0.881, sensitivity = 79.1%, specificity = 85.0%). GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels were independently correlated with GC sensitivity. GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels were correlated with the spinal function of AM patients after GC treatment. Overall, GR-α and GR-β mRNA levels in PBMCs of AM patients can assist in the identification of GC sensitivity and are correlated with GC efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jun Han
- Department of Neurology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, China
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Novel insights in endocrine and metabolic pathways in sepsis and gaps for future research. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:861-878. [PMID: 35642779 DOI: 10.1042/cs20211003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis is defined as any life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. It remains an important cause of critical illness and has considerable short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. In the last decades, preclinical and clinical research has revealed a biphasic pattern in the (neuro-)endocrine responses to sepsis as to other forms of critical illness, contributing to development of severe metabolic alterations. Immediately after the critical illness-inducing insult, fasting- and stress-induced neuroendocrine and cellular responses evoke a catabolic state in order to provide energy substrates for vital tissues, and to concomitantly activate cellular repair pathways while energy-consuming anabolism is postponed. Large randomized controlled trials have shown that providing early full feeding in this acute phase induced harm and reversed some of the neuro-endocrine alterations, which suggested that the acute fasting- and stress-induced responses to critical illness are likely interlinked and benefical. However, it remains unclear whether, in the context of accepting virtual fasting in the acute phase of illness, metabolic alterations such as hyperglycemia are harmful or beneficial. When patients enter a prolonged phase of critical illness, a central suppression of most neuroendocrine axes follows. Prolonged fasting and central neuroendocrine suppression may no longer be beneficial. Although pilot studies have suggested benefit of fasting-mimicking diets and interventions that reactivate the central neuroendocrine suppression selectively in the prolonged phase of illness, further study is needed to investigate patient-oriented outcomes in larger randomized trials.
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Téblick A, Van Dyck L, Van Aerde N, Van der Perre S, Pauwels L, Derese I, Debaveye Y, Wouters PJ, Vanhorebeek I, Langouche L, Van den Berghe G. Impact of duration of critical illness and level of systemic glucocorticoid availability on tissue-specific glucocorticoid receptor expression and actions: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional human and two translational mouse studies. EBioMedicine 2022; 80:104057. [PMID: 35584557 PMCID: PMC9117556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reduced glucocorticoid-receptor (GR) expression in blood suggested that critically ill patients become glucocorticoid-resistant necessitating stress-doses of glucocorticoids. We hypothesised that critical illness evokes a tissue-specific, time-dependent expression of regulators of GR-action which adaptively guides glucocorticoid action to sites of need. Methods We performed a prospective, observational, cross-sectional human study and two translational mouse studies. In freshly-isolated neutrophils and monocytes and in skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue of 137 critically ill patients and 20 healthy controls and in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue as well as in vital tissues (heart, lung, diaphragm, liver, kidney) of 88 septic and 26 healthy mice, we quantified gene expression of cortisone-reductase 11β-HSD1, glucocorticoid-receptor-isoforms GRα and GRβ, GRα-sensitivity-regulating-co-chaperone FKBP51, and GR-action-marker GILZ. Expression profiles were compared in relation to illness-duration and systemic-glucocorticoid-availability. Findings In patients’ neutrophils, GRα and GILZ were substantially suppressed (p≤0·05) throughout intensive care unit (ICU)-stay, while in monocytes low/normal GRα coincided with increased GILZ (p≤0·05). FKBP51 was increased transiently (neutrophils) or always (monocytes,p≤0·05). In patients’ muscle, 11β-HSD1 and GRα were low-normal (p≤0·05) and substantially suppressed in adipose tissue (p≤0·05); FKBP51 and GILZ were increased in skeletal muscle (p≤0·05) but normal in adipose tissue. GRβ was undetectable. Increasing systemic glucocorticoid availability in patients independently associated with further suppressed muscle 11β-HSD1 and GRα, further increased FKBP51 and unaltered GILZ (p≤0·05). In septic mouse heart and lung, 11β-HSD1, FKBP51 and GILZ were always high (p≤0·01). In heart, GRα was suppressed (p≤0·05), while normal or high in lung (all p≤0·05). In diaphragm, 11β-HSD1 was high/normal, GRα low/normal and FKBP51 and GILZ high (p≤0·01). In kidney, 11β-HSD1 transiently increased but decreased thereafter, GRα was normal and FKBP51 and GILZ high (p≤0·01). In liver, 11β-HSD1 was suppressed (p≤0·01), GRα normal and FKBP51 high (p≤0·01) whereas GILZ was transiently decreased but elevated thereafter (p≤0·05). Only in lung and diaphragm, treatment with hydrocortisone further increased GILZ. Interpretation Tissue-specific, time-independent adaptations to critical illness guided GR-action predominantly to vital tissues such as lung, while (partially) protecting against collateral harm in other cells and tissues, such as neutrophils. These findings argue against maladaptive generalised glucocorticoid-resistance necessitating glucocorticoid-treatment. Funding Research-Foundation-Flanders, Methusalem-Program-Flemish-Government, European-Research-Council, European-Respiratory-Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Téblick
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa Van Dyck
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Van Aerde
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Van der Perre
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Pauwels
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Inge Derese
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves Debaveye
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter J Wouters
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Vanhorebeek
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Langouche
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Van den Berghe
- Clinical division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Vassiliadi DA, Vassiliou AG, Ilias I, Tsagarakis S, Kotanidou A, Dimopoulou I. Pituitary-Adrenal Responses and Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11473. [PMID: 34768903 PMCID: PMC8584241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was described as the principal component of the stress response 85 years ago, along with the acute-phase reaction, and the defense response at the tissue level. The orchestration of these processes is essential since systemic inflammation is a double-edged sword; whereas inflammation that is timely and of appropriate magnitude is beneficial, exuberant systemic inflammation incites tissue damage with potentially devastating consequences. Apart from its beneficial cardiovascular and metabolic effects, cortisol exerts a significant immunoregulatory role, a major attribute being that it restrains the excessive inflammatory reaction, thereby preventing unwanted tissue damage. In this review, we will discuss the role of the HPA axis in the normal stress response and in critical illness, especially in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Finally, a chapter will be dedicated to the findings from clinical studies in critical illness and COVID-19 on the expression of the mediator of glucocorticoid actions, the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra A. Vassiliadi
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, National Expertise Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (S.T.)
| | - Alice G. Vassiliou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Ioannis Ilias
- Department of Endocrinology, Helena Venizelos Hospital, 115 21 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stylianos Tsagarakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, National Expertise Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (S.T.)
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.K.)
| | - Ioanna Dimopoulou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.K.)
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Téblick A, Langouche L, Van den Berghe G. Endocrine interventions in the intensive care unit. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 182:417-431. [PMID: 34266609 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819973-2.00028-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Following the onset of any life-threatening illness that requires intensive medical care, alterations within the neuroendocrine axes occur which are thought to be essential for survival, as they postpone energy-consuming anabolism, activate energy-producing catabolic pathways, and optimize immunological and cardiovascular functions. The hormonal changes present in the acute phase of critical illness at least partially resemble those of the fasting state, and recent evidence suggests that they are part of a beneficial, evolutionary-conserved adaptive stress response. However, a fraction of patients who survive the acute phase of critical illness remain dependent on vital organ support and enter the prolonged phase of critical illness. In these patients, the hypothalamic-pituitary-peripheral axes are functionally suppressed, which may have negative consequences by which recovery may be hampered and the risk of morbidity and mortality in the long-term increased. Most randomized controlled trials of critically ill patients that investigated the impact on the outcome of treatment with peripheral hormones did not reveal a robust morbidity or mortality benefit. In contrast, small studies of patients in the prolonged phase of critical illness documented promising results with the infusion of hypothalamic-releasing hormones. The currently available data corroborate the need for well-designed and adequately powered RCTs to further investigate the impact of these releasing factors on patient-centered outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno Téblick
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Langouche
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Van den Berghe
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium.
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10
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Vassiliou AG, Athanasiou N, Vassiliadi DA, Jahaj E, Keskinidou C, Kotanidou A, Dimopoulou I. Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor expression in critical illness: A narrative review. World J Crit Care Med 2021; 10:102-111. [PMID: 34316445 PMCID: PMC8291002 DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v10.i4.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) are members of the steroid receptor superfamily of hormone-dependent transcription factors. The receptors are structurally and functionally related. They are localized in the cytosol and translocate into the nucleus after ligand binding. GCRs and MRs can be co-expressed within the same cell, and it is believed that the balance in GCR and MR expression is crucial for homeostasis and plays a key role in normal adaptation. In critical illness, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated, and as a consequence, serum cortisol concentrations are high. However, a number of patients exhibit relatively low cortisol levels for the degree of illness severity. Glucocorticoid (GC) actions are facilitated by GCR, whose dysfunction leads to GC tissue resistance. The MR is unique in this family in that it binds to both aldosterone and cortisol. Endogenous GCs play a critical role in controlling inflammatory responses in critical illness. Intracellular GC concentrations can differ greatly from blood levels due to the action of the two 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isozymes, type 1 and type 2. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases interconvert endogenous active cortisol and intrinsically inert cortisone. The degree of expression of the two isozymes has the potential to dramatically influence local GC availability within cells and tissues. In this review, we will explore the clinical studies that aimed to elucidate the role of MR and GCR expression in the inflammatory response seen in critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice G Vassiliou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Evangelismos” Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Athanasiou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Evangelismos” Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Dimitra A Vassiliadi
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, “Evangelismos” Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Edison Jahaj
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Evangelismos” Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Chrysi Keskinidou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Evangelismos” Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Evangelismos” Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Ioanna Dimopoulou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Evangelismos” Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
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Cohen J, Blumenthal A, Cuellar-Partida G, Evans DM, Finfer S, Li Q, Ljungberg J, Myburgh J, Peach E, Powell J, Rajbhandari D, Rhodes A, Senabouth A, Venkatesh B. The relationship between adrenocortical candidate gene expression and clinical response to hydrocortisone in patients with septic shock. Intensive Care Med 2021; 47:974-983. [PMID: 34185116 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-021-06464-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if adrenocortical gene expression is associated with clinical outcomes or response to corticosteroid treatment in septic shock. METHODS A pre-specified nested cohort study of a randomised controlled trial of hydrocortisone compared to placebo in septic shock. Blood was collected for RNAseq analysis prior to treatment with hydrocortisone or placebo. The expression of adrenocortical candidate genes related to pituitary releasing hormones, mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors, intracellular glucocorticoid metabolism and transport proteins was measured. RESULTS From May 2014 to April 2017, 671 patients were enrolled in the nested cohort study, from which 494 samples were available for analysis. We found no evidence of an association between candidate gene expression levels and either 90-day mortality, 28-day mortality or time to shock reversal. We observed evidence of a significant interaction between expression and treatment group for time to shock reversal in two genes; GLCCI1 (HR 3.81, 95%CI 0.57-25.47 vs. HR 0.64, 95%CI 0.13-3.07 for hydrocortisone and placebo respectively, p for interaction 0.008) and BHSD1 (HR 0.55, 95%CI 0.28-1.09 vs. HR 1.32 95%CI 0.67-2.60, p for interaction 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In patients with septic shock, there is no association between adrenocortical candidate gene expression and mortality. Patients with higher expression of GLCCI1 who received hydrocortisone achieved shock resolution faster than those receiving placebo; conversely, patients who had higher expression of BHSD1 who received hydrocortisone achieved shock resolution slower than those who received placebo. Variation in gene expression may be a mechanism for heterogeneity of treatment response to corticosteroids in septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Cohen
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia. .,Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. .,The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
| | - Antje Blumenthal
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Gabriel Cuellar-Partida
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - David M Evans
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.,Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Simon Finfer
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Qiang Li
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Johanna Ljungberg
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - John Myburgh
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,St. George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Peach
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Joseph Powell
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute, Sydney, Australia.,UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Anne Senabouth
- Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Balasubramanian Venkatesh
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.,The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,The Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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12
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He YJ, Xu JQ, Sun MM, Fang XZ, Peng ZK, Pan SW, Zhou T, Wang YX, Shang Y. Glucocorticoid-Induced Leucine Zipper: A Promising Marker for Monitoring and Treating Sepsis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:606649. [PMID: 33424852 PMCID: PMC7793647 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a clinical syndrome that resulting from a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection that leads to organ dysfunction. The dysregulated inflammatory response transitions from a hyper-inflammatory phase to a hypo-inflammatory or immunosuppressive phase. Currently, no phase-specific molecular-based therapies are available for monitoring the complex immune response and treating sepsis due to individual variations in the timing and overlap of the dysregulated immune response in most patients. Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ), is broadly present in multiple tissues and circumvent glucocorticoid resistance (GCR) or unwanted side effects. Recently, the characteristics of GILZ downregulation during acute hyperinflammation and GILZ upregulation during the immunosuppressive phase in various inflammatory diseases have been well documented, and the protective effects of GILZ have gained attention in the field of sepsis. However, whether GILZ could be a promising candidate biomarker for monitoring and treating septic patients remains unknown. Here, we discuss the effect of GILZ in sepsis and sepsis-induced immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jun He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ji-Qian Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Miao-Miao Sun
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang-Zhi Fang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe-Kang Peng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shang-Wen Pan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Xin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - You Shang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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