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Lee JH, Torpy DJ. Adrenal insufficiency in pregnancy: Physiology, diagnosis, management and areas for future research. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2023; 24:57-69. [PMID: 35816262 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09745-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency requires prompt diagnosis in pregnancy, as untreated, it can lead to serious consequences such as adrenal crisis, intrauterine growth restriction and even foetal demise. Similarities between symptoms of adrenal insufficiency and those of normal pregnancy can complicate diagnosis. Previously diagnosed adrenal insufficiency needs monitoring and, often, adjustment of adrenal hormone replacement. Many physiological changes occur to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during pregnancy, often making diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency challenging. Pregnancy is a state of sustained physiologic hypercortisolaemia; there are multiple contributing factors including high plasma concentrations of placental derived corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and increased adrenal responsiveness to ACTH. Despite increased circulating concentrations of CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP) and the major cortisol binding protein, corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG), free concentrations of both hormones are increased progressively in pregnancy. In addition, pregnancy leads to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Most adrenocortical hormone diagnostic thresholds are not applicable or validated in pregnancy. The management of adrenal insufficiency also needs to reflect the physiologic changes of pregnancy, often requiring increased doses of glucocorticoid and at times mineralocorticoid replacement, especially in the last trimester. In this review, we describe pregnancy induced changes in adrenal function, the diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency in pregnancy and areas requiring further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - David J Torpy
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Kosicka K, Siemiątkowska A, Szpera-Goździewicz A, Krzyścin M, Bręborowicz GH, Główka FK. Increased cortisol metabolism in women with pregnancy-related hypertension. Endocrine 2018; 61:125-133. [PMID: 29611097 PMCID: PMC5997110 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1586-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The diminished function of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11β-HSD2) was found in placentae from preeclamptic pregnancies. Here, we examine the overall maternal glucocorticoid balance in pregnancy-related hypertension. We aim to answer the question if the functions of primary enzymes involved in cortisol metabolism: 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 and 5-reductases (both 5α- and 5β) are altered in the course of hypertensive pregnancy. METHODS We determined plasma and urinary cortisol and cortisone as well as their urinary tetrahydro- and allo-tetrahydrometabolites, both in free and conjugated forms in samples obtained from 181 Polish women in the third trimester of pregnancy. We compared steroid profiles in women with preeclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GH), chronic hypertension (CH) and in normotensives (controls). RESULTS We found significant differences in glucocorticoid balance in pregnancy-related hypertension. Plasma cortisol to cortisone was significantly lower in PE than in controls (3.00 vs. 4.79; p < 0.001). Increased function of renal 11β-HSD2 in PE and GH was manifested by significantly lower urinary free cortisol to cortisone ratio (0.169 and 0.206 vs. 0.277 in controls; p < 0.005). Markedly enhanced metabolism of cortisol was observed in pregnancy-related hypertension, with no significant alterations in CH, and the changes were more clearly expressed in PE than in GH. CONCLUSIONS The glucocorticoid balance in PE and GH is shifted towards decreasing cortisol concentration either due to intensified conversion to cortisone or enhanced production of tetrahydro and allo-tetrahydrometabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kosicka
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 6 Święcickiego Street, Poznań, 60-781, Poland.
| | - Anna Siemiątkowska
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 6 Święcickiego Street, Poznań, 60-781, Poland
| | - Agata Szpera-Goździewicz
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, Poznań, 60-535, Poland
| | - Mariola Krzyścin
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, Poznań, 60-535, Poland
| | - Grzegorz H Bręborowicz
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 33 Polna Street, Poznań, 60-535, Poland
| | - Franciszek K Główka
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 6 Święcickiego Street, Poznań, 60-781, Poland
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Eisele N, Albrecht C, Mistry HD, Dick B, Baumann M, Surbek D, Currie G, Delles C, Mohaupt MG, Escher G, Gennari-Moser C. Placental expression of the angiogenic placental growth factor is stimulated by both aldosterone and simulated starvation. Placenta 2016; 40:18-24. [PMID: 27016778 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aldosterone is an important factor supporting placental growth and fetal development. Recently, expression of placental growth factor (PlGF) has been observed in response to aldosterone exposure in different models of atherosclerosis. Thus, we hypothesized that aldosterone up-regulates growth-adaptive angiogenesis in pregnancy, via increased placental PlGF expression. We followed normotensive pregnant women (n = 24) throughout pregnancy and confirmed these results in a second independent first trimester cohort (n = 36). Urinary tetrahydroaldosterone was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and corrected for creatinine. Circulating PlGF concentrations were determined by ELISA. Additionally, cultured cell lines, adrenocortical H295R and choriocarcinoma BeWo cells, as well as primary human third trimester trophoblasts were tested in vitro. PlGF serum concentrations positively correlated with urinary tetrahydroaldosterone corrected for creatinine in these two independent cohorts. This observation was not due to PlGF, which did not induce aldosterone production in cultured H295R cells. On the other hand, PlGF expression was specifically enhanced by aldosterone in the presence of forskolin (p < 0.01) in trophoblasts. A pronounced stimulation of PlGF expression was observed with reduced glucose concentrations simulating starvation (p < 0.001). In conclusion, aldosterone stimulates placental PlGF production, enhancing its availability during human pregnancy, a response amplified by reduced glucose supply. Given the crucial role of PlGF in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, these data support a key role of aldosterone for a healthy pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Eisele
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Albrecht
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland; Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Hiten D Mistry
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Bernhard Dick
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Marc Baumann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland; Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Surbek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland; Swiss National Center of Competence in Research, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Gemma Currie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christian Delles
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Markus G Mohaupt
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Geneviève Escher
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Carine Gennari-Moser
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
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Kosicka K, Siemiątkowska A, Krzyścin M, Bręborowicz GH, Resztak M, Majchrzak-Celińska A, Chuchracki M, Główka FK. Glucocorticoid Metabolism in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Analysis of Plasma and Urinary Cortisol and Cortisone. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144343. [PMID: 26637176 PMCID: PMC4670176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of the study was to analyze the plasma and urinary cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) levels in normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women. The parameters known to reflect the function of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) were calculated to verify the changes in glucocorticoid balance over the course of gestational hypertension (GH) and pre-eclampsia (PE). Materials and Methods This retrospective case-control study included women in the third trimester of pregnancy, diagnosed with: GH (n = 29), PE (n = 26), or chronic hypertension (CH; n = 22). Normotensive women in their third trimester of pregnancy were also included (controls; n = 43). The plasma and urinary F and E levels were measured with the HPLC-FLD method. The 11β-HSD2 function was estimated by calculating the following ratios: plasma F/E and urinary free F to urinary free E (UFF/UFE). A statistical analysis was performed based on case-control structure. Results and Discussion PE was characterized by lower plasma F levels (639.0 nmol/L), UFF/Cr levels (3.80 μg/mmol) and F/E ratio (3.46) compared with that of the controls (811.7 nmol/L, 6.28 μg/mmol and 5.19, respectively) with marked abnormalities observed in the changes of F/E and UFF/UFE ratios with advancing gestation. GH patients showed significant disparities in the urinary steroid profile with lower UFF/UFE ratio (0.330 vs. 0.401) compared with the normotensive controls and abnormal changes in the UFF/UFE throughout pregnancy. The observed tendency towards lower F/E and UFF/UFE ratios in PE and GH patients may reflect more intensive F metabolism over the course of those disorders. In the normal pregnancy group, the plasma F/E and UFF/UFE ratios tended to present inverse correlations with advancing gestation. This trend was much less marked in PE and GH patients, suggesting that the abnormalities in 11β-HSD2 functions progressed with the GA. The birth weights of neonates born from pre-eclamptic pregnancies were lower than those from uncomplicated pregnancies, although only when the babies were born prematurely. Children born at term to normotensive mothers or mothers suffering from PE had comparable birth weights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kosicka
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Siemiątkowska
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariola Krzyścin
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz H. Bręborowicz
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Matylda Resztak
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Marek Chuchracki
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Franciszek K. Główka
- Department of Physical Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Odar-Cederlof I, Floberg J, Theodorsson E, Fried G. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Vasoactive Hormones During Preeclampsia Compared to Normal Pregnancy. Hypertens Pregnancy 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/10641959709069087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Aufdenblatten M, Baumann M, Raio L, Dick B, Frey BM, Schneider H, Surbek D, Hocher B, Mohaupt MG. Prematurity is related to high placental cortisol in preeclampsia. Pediatr Res 2009; 65:198-202. [PMID: 19047954 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e31818d6c24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth is compromised in animal models with high cortisol availability. In healthy pregnancies, the fetus is protected from high circulating cortisol levels by the placental 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2), which is reduced in preeclampsia. We hypothesized increased placental cortisol availability in preeclampsia as missing link to fetal growth restriction and prematurity. Placental tissue was obtained from 39 pregnant women dichotomized normotensive (n = 16) or preeclamptic (n = 23). Placental steroid hormone metabolites were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Apparent 11beta-HSD2 enzyme activity was calculated as substrate to product ratio. Estradiol and pregnandiol positively correlated with gestational age. Cortisol was virtually absent in 93.8% of controls, yet detectable in 79.3% of preeclamptic samples resulting in an odds ratio (OR) of 0.019 (95% CI 0.002-0.185) for the presence of placental cortisol. Apparent 11beta-HSD2 activity directly correlated with birth weight (R2 = 0.16; p < 0.02) and gestational age (R2 = 0.11; p < 0.04) ensuing a reduced risk of premature delivery (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02-0.58). We conclude that normotensive pregnancies are characterized by an almost completely inactivated placental cortisol. In line with our hypothesis, reduced 11beta-HSD2 activity in preeclampsia is unable to abolish placental cortisol, a finding clearly associated with prematurity and low birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Aufdenblatten
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
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Ho JT, Lewis JG, O'Loughlin P, Bagley CJ, Romero R, Dekker GA, Torpy DJ. Reduced maternal corticosteroid-binding globulin and cortisol levels in pre-eclampsia and gamete recipient pregnancies. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2007; 66:869-77. [PMID: 17437519 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2007.02826.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure and contrast maternal cortisol and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) levels in pregnancies with normal outcomes, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and in gamete recipients. STUDY DESIGN Prospective study of 93 women at high risk of pre-eclampsia, including gamete recipients (n = 22) and 33 controls. Plasma total and free cortisol and CBG were measured every 2 weeks from 16 weeks' gestation until delivery. RESULTS Forty-two per cent of the high-risk group had complications, including pre-eclampsia (n = 11), gestational hypertension (n = 16) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates (n = 12). There were no complications in the controls. In all groups, plasma CBG concentrations increased progressively across gestation (P < 0.05), in parallel to total cortisol, but fell significantly from 36 weeks' gestation onwards, with a corresponding rise in free cortisol concentrations. In pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension, plasma CBG, and total and free cortisol concentrations were lower from 36 weeks onwards (P < 0.05). In IUGR, plasma CBG concentrations were suppressed from 28 weeks' gestation until delivery (P < 0.05), but with no significant difference in plasma total and free cortisol. Gamete recipients had significantly lower plasma CBG from 20 weeks' gestation onwards, and plasma total and free cortisol were reduced at 24 and 32 weeks onwards, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Maternal plasma CBG, total and free cortisol concentrations are reduced in pre-eclampsia/gestational hypertension, and markedly reduced in gamete recipients. Low CBG may be due to reduced synthesis or enhanced inflammation-driven degradation. Low maternal cortisol may be due to a lack of placental corticotropin-releasing hormone or reduced maternal ACTH, driving cortisol production. Low maternal cortisol may influence the foetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and disease patterns later in life following complicated pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui T Ho
- Hanson Institute, University of Adelaide, and Endocrine and Metabolic Unit of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Walker BR, Seckl JR. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 as a novel therapeutic target in metabolic and neurodegenerative disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2005; 7:771-83. [PMID: 14640912 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.7.6.771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 (11HSD1) catalyses regeneration of active 11-hydroxy glucocorticoids from inactive 11-keto metabolites within target tissues. Inhibition of 11HSD1 has been proposed as a novel strategy to lower intracellular glucocorticoid concentrations, without affecting circulating glucocorticoid levels and their responsiveness to stress. Increased 11HSD1 activity may be pathogenic, for example, in adipose tissue in obesity. Experiments in transgenic mice and using prototype inhibitors in humans show benefits of 11HSD1 inhibition in liver, adipose and brain tissue in treating features of the metabolic syndrome and cognitive dysfunction with ageing. The clinical development of potent selective 11HSD1 inhibitors is now a high priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Walker
- University of Edinburgh, Endocrinology Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
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Hardy MP, Sottas CM, Ge R, McKittrick CR, Tamashiro KL, McEwen BS, Haider SG, Markham CM, Blanchard RJ, Blanchard DC, Sakai RR. Trends of reproductive hormones in male rats during psychosocial stress: role of glucocorticoid metabolism in behavioral dominance. Biol Reprod 2002; 67:1750-5. [PMID: 12444049 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.006312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress in socially subordinate male rats, associated with aggressive attacks by dominant males, was studied in a group-housing context called the visible burrow system (VBS). It has been established that subordinate males have reduced serum testosterone (T) and higher corticosterone (CORT) relative to dominant and singly housed control males. The relationship of the decreased circulating T levels in subordinate males to changes in serum LH concentrations has not been evaluated previously. Since decreases in LH during stress may cause reductions in Leydig cell steroidogenic activity, the present study defined the temporal profiles of serum LH, T, and CORT in dominant and subordinate males on Days 4, 7, and 14 of a 14-day housing period in the VBS. The same parameters were followed in serum samples from single-housed control males. Leydig cells express glucocorticoid receptors and may also be targeted for direct inhibition of steroidogenesis by glucocorticoid. We hypothesize that Leydig cells are protected from inhibition by CORT at basal concentrations through oxidative inactivation of glucocorticoid by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11betaHSD). However, Leydig cell steroidogenesis is inhibited when 11betaHSD metabolizing capacity is exceeded. Therefore, 11betaHSD enzyme activity levels were measured in Leydig cells of VBS-housed males at the same time points. Significant increases in LH and T relative to control were observed in the dominant animals on Day 4, which were associated with the overt establishment of behavioral dominance as evidenced by victorious agonistic encounters. Serum LH and T were lower in subordinate males on Day 7, but T alone was lower on Day 14, suggesting that lowered LH secretion in subordinates may gradually be reversed by declines in androgen-negative feedback. Serum CORT levels were higher in subordinate males compared to control at all three time points. In contrast, oxidative 11betaHSD activity in Leydig cells of dominant males was higher relative to control and unchanged in subordinates. These results suggest the following: 1) failure of Leydig cells of subordinate males to compensate for increased glucocorticoid action during stress, by increasing 11betaHSD oxidative activity, potentiates stress-mediated reductions in T secretion; and 2) an inhibition of the reproductive axis in subordinate males at the level of the pituitary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Hardy
- Population Council Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
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Abstract
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a frequent cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. 19-Noraldosterone, which was shown to be synthesized in the human adrenal gland, exhibits potent mineralocorticoid and hypertensive activity. To examine the role of mineralocorticoids in the pathophysiology of PIH, we studied urinary 19-noraldosterone, tetrahydroaldosterone, free cortisol, and cortisone concentrations and mineralocorticoid receptor levels in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes, from 17 women with PIH and 16 normal pregnant women as controls. Sequence analysis of the mineralocorticoid receptor gene in PIH patients was also done. The 24-h urinary excretion of 19-noraldosterone was significantly lower in PIH (120 +/- 38 pmol/day) than in controls (358 +/- 55 pmol/day) (P < 0.05). Urinary tetrahydroaldosterone was also decreased in PIH compared with controls. Ratios of urinary free cortisol to cortisone (a measure of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 activity) did not differ significantly between groups. Mineralocorticoid receptor density was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the PIH group (133 +/- 15 binding sites/cell) compared with controls (255 +/- 21 binding sites/cell). No mutations were found in the coding region of the mineralocorticoid receptor gene in PIH. These results suggest that circulating aldosterone, 19-noraldosterone, and renal 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase2 do not contribute to the pathogenesis of PIH. Regulatory factors that cause the down-regulation of the mineralocorticoid receptor in PIH should be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyu Takeda
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kanazawa University, Japan.
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Walker BR, Rodin A, Taylor NF, Clayton RN. Endogenous inhibitors of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 do not explain abnormal cortisol metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2000; 52:77-80. [PMID: 10651756 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2000.00893.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aetiology of enhanced adrenal androgen secretion in polycystic ovary syndrome is poorly understood. Previous reports suggest that enhanced peripheral metabolism of cortisol results in decreased negative feedback suppression of ACTH secretion, either by enhanced inactivation of cortisol by 5alpha-reductase or impaired reactivation of cortisol by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1). Endogenous inhibitors of hepatic 11beta-HSD1 can be extracted from urine. We have tested the hypothesis that these are increased in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. DESIGN A case-control study. PATIENTS 57 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and 27 healthy control women. MEASUREMENTS Aliquots from 24 h urine samples were extracted with Sep-Paks and incubated with rat liver microsomes in which 11beta-HSD1 activity was quantified by conversion of 3H-corticosterone to 3H-11-dehydrocorticosterone. RESULTS Inhibition of 11beta-HSD1 activity was not different in extracts from patients compared with controls (40.8 +/- 18.9 arbitrary units in patients vs. 42.7 +/- 16.6 in controls, mean (+/- SEM, P > 0.60) and did not correlate with ratios of cortisol metabolites in urine or with body mass index. CONCLUSIONS The altered cortisol metabolism in polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is consistent with impaired 11beta-HSD1 activity, cannot be accounted for by increased production of measurable endogenous inhibitors of this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Walker
- University of Edinburgh, Endocrinology Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
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Cortisol, aldosterona y diferentes formas de hipertensión: papel de la 11 β-hidroxiesteroide dehidrogenasa. HIPERTENSION Y RIESGO VASCULAR 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s1889-1837(00)71039-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Quinkler M, Johanssen S, Grossmann C, Bähr V, Müller M, Oelkers W, Diederich S. Progesterone metabolism in the human kidney and inhibition of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 by progesterone and its metabolites. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1999; 84:4165-71. [PMID: 10566667 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.84.11.6163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone binds with high affinity to the mineralocorticoid (MC) receptor, but confers only very low agonistic MC activity. Therefore, progesterone is a potent MC antagonist in vitro. Although progesterone reaches up to 100 times higher plasma levels in late pregnancy than aldosterone, the in vivo MC antagonistic effect of progesterone seems to be relatively weak. One explanation for this phenomenon could be local metabolism of progesterone in the human kidney, similar to the inactivation of cortisol to cortisone by the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) type 2. We studied the metabolism of progesterone in the human kidney in vitro and found reduction to 20alpha-dihydro (DH)-progesterone as the main metabolite. Ring-A reduction to 5alpha-DH-progesterone, 20alpha-DH-5alpha-DH-progesterone, and 3beta,5alpha-tetrahydro (TH)-progesterone was also documented. We further showed for the first time that 17-hydroxylation of progesterone (17alpha-OH-progesterone, 17alpha-OH, 20alpha-DH-progesterone), normally localized in the adrenals and the gonads, occurs in the human adult kidney. We found no formation of deoxycorticosterone from progesterone in the human adult kidney. Using human kidney cortex microsomes, we tested the inhibitory potency of progesterone and its metabolites on the 11beta-HSD type 2. The most potent inhibitor was progesterone itself (IC50 = 4.8 x 10(-8) mol/L), followed by 5alpha-DH-progesterone (IC50 = 2.4 x 10(-7) mol/L), 20alpha-DH-progesterone, 3beta,5alpha-TH-progesterone, 17alpha-OH-progesterone, and 20alpha-DH-5alpha-DH-progesterone (IC50 between 7.7 x 10(-7) mol/L and 1.3 x 10(-6) mol/L). The least potent inhibitor was 17alpha-OH,20alpha-DH-progesterone. In addition to progesterone metabolism by the kidney, the inhibition of 11beta-HSD type 2 by progesterone and its metabolites could be a second explanation for the weak MC-antagonist activity of progesterone in vivo. Inhibition of 11beta-HSD type 2 leads to an increase of intracellular cortisol in a way that the local equilibrium between the MC agonist cortisol and the antagonist progesterone is shifted to the agonist side.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Quinkler
- Department of Endocrinology, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
The 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes (11beta-HSD) interconvert cortisol and cortisone in man, and corticosterone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone in rodents. Two distantly related congeners have been isolated and conserved domains identified by multiple alignment and hydrophobic cluster analysis. 11Beta-HSD1 in the liver acts mainly as an oxoreductase maintaining circulating glucocorticoid levels. Gene deletion studies suggest it plays an important role in providing elevated local concentrations of hormone. In contrast, 11beta-HSD2 inactivates glucocorticoids and is pivotal in the distal tubule where it protects the mineralocorticoid receptor from occupation, thus endowing specificity on a non-selective receptor. Mutations in 11beta-HSD2 result in sodium retention and severe hypertension, account for the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess and may be responsible for other forms of hypertension. 11Beta-HSD2 is also present in the placenta where it protects the fetus from high circulating levels of maternal glucocorticoids. Attenuated placental 11beta-HSD2 activity has recently been shown to be associated with intrauterine growth retardation. 11Beta-HSD2 may also play important roles in pulmonary physiology and breast cancer. This review focuses on recent developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Krozowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Hypertension, Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
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McCalla CO, Nacharaju VL, Muneyyirci-Delale O, Glasgow S, Feldman JG. Placental 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Steroids 1998; 63:511-5. [PMID: 9800281 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(98)00056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Apparent mineralocorticoid excess and licorice induced hypertension, both hypertensive disorders, have been attributed to a defect in the enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD), which interconverts cortisol to cortisone. Therefore, we undertook this study to determine the role of human placental 11 beta-HSD activity in preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy. 11 beta-HSD activities were determined in placentas of 17 normotensive and 11 preeclamptic patients matched for gestational age at 34-42 weeks. Cortisol levels in umbilical venous and arterial sera were also determined for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, significance at p < 0.05. 11 beta-dehydrogenase (oxidation activity of 11 beta-HSD) activity was significantly lower in placentas of preeclamptic compared to normotensive patients (0.19 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.08 mmoles/min/placenta, p = 0.02). Cortisol level in umbilical cord blood was significantly higher in the preeclamptic group (14.99 +/- 14.08 vs. 6.71 +/- 3.69 g/dL, p = 0.02). The decreased 11 beta-HSD activity is accompanied by an expected increase in umbilical cord blood cortisol level and decrease in fetal weight. This enzyme may play an important role in influencing fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- C O McCalla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Science Center at Brooklyn, State University of New York 11203, USA
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