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Sarafoglou K, Merke DP, Reisch N, Claahsen-van der Grinten H, Falhammar H, Auchus RJ. Interpretation of Steroid Biomarkers in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency and Their Use in Disease Management. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2154-2175. [PMID: 36950738 PMCID: PMC10438890 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), which in the classic (severe) form occurs in roughly 1:16 000 newborns worldwide. Lifelong treatment consists of replacing cortisol and aldosterone deficiencies, and supraphysiological dosing schedules are typically employed to simultaneously attenuate production of adrenal-derived androgens. Glucocorticoid titration in 21OHD is challenging as it must balance the consequences of androgen excess vs those from chronic high glucocorticoid exposure, which are further complicated by interindividual variability in cortisol kinetics and glucocorticoid sensitivity. Clinical assessment and biochemical parameters are both used to guide therapy, but the specific purpose and goals of each biomarker vary with age and clinical context. Here we review the approach to medication titration for children and adults with classic 21OHD, with an emphasis on how to interpret adrenal biomarker values in guiding this process. In parallel, we illustrate how an understanding of the pathophysiologic and pharmacologic principles can be used to avoid and to correct complications of this disease and consequences of its management using existing treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakie Sarafoglou
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Deborah P Merke
- Department of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Hedi Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Departments of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Abstract
The human stress response has evolved to maintain homeostasis under conditions of real or perceived stress. This objective is achieved through autoregulatory neural and hormonal systems in close association with central and peripheral clocks. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a key regulatory pathway in the maintenance of these homeostatic processes. The end product of this pathway - cortisol - is secreted in a pulsatile pattern, with changes in pulse amplitude creating a circadian pattern. During acute stress, cortisol levels rise and pulsatility is maintained. Although the initial rise in cortisol follows a large surge in adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, if long-term inflammatory stress occurs, adrenocorticotropic hormone levels return to near basal levels while cortisol levels remain raised as a result of increased adrenal sensitivity. In chronic stress, hypothalamic activation of the pituitary changes from corticotropin-releasing hormone-dominant to arginine vasopressin-dominant, and cortisol levels remain raised due at least in part to decreased cortisol metabolism. Acute elevations in cortisol levels are beneficial to promoting survival of the fittest as part of the fight-or-flight response. However, chronic exposure to stress results in reversal of the beneficial effects, with long-term cortisol exposure becoming maladaptive, which can lead to a broad range of problems including the metabolic syndrome, obesity, cancer, mental health disorders, cardiovascular disease and increased susceptibility to infections. Neuroimmunoendocrine modulation in disease states and glucocorticoid-based therapeutics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Russell
- Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Stafford Lightman
- Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Čupić Ž, Marković VM, Maćešić S, Stanojević A, Damjanović S, Vukojević V, Kolar-Anić L. Dynamic transitions in a model of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2016; 26:033111. [PMID: 27036189 DOI: 10.1063/1.4944040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic properties of a nonlinear five-dimensional stoichiometric model of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were systematically investigated. Conditions under which qualitative transitions between dynamic states occur are determined by independently varying the rate constants of all reactions that constitute the model. Bifurcation types were further characterized using continuation algorithms and scale factor methods. Regions of bistability and transitions through supercritical Andronov-Hopf and saddle loop bifurcations were identified. Dynamic state analysis predicts that the HPA axis operates under basal (healthy) physiological conditions close to an Andronov-Hopf bifurcation. Dynamic properties of the stress-control axis have not been characterized experimentally, but modelling suggests that the proximity to a supercritical Andronov-Hopf bifurcation can give the HPA axis both, flexibility to respond to external stimuli and adjust to new conditions and stability, i.e., the capacity to return to the original dynamic state afterwards, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis. The analysis presented here reflects the properties of a low-dimensional model that succinctly describes neurochemical transformations underlying the HPA axis. However, the model accounts correctly for a number of experimentally observed properties of the stress-response axis. We therefore regard that the presented analysis is meaningful, showing how in silico investigations can be used to guide the experimentalists in understanding how the HPA axis activity changes under chronic disease and/or specific pharmacological manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Željko Čupić
- Department of Catalysis and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir M Marković
- Faculty of Physical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stevan Maćešić
- Faculty of Physical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Stanojević
- Faculty of Physical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetozar Damjanović
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladana Vukojević
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, CMM L8:01, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ljiljana Kolar-Anić
- Department of Catalysis and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Kalafatakis K, Russell GM, Harmer CJ, Munafo MR, Marchant N, Wilson A, Brooks JCW, Thai NJ, Ferguson SG, Stevenson K, Durant C, Schmidt K, Lightman SL. Effects of the pattern of glucocorticoid replacement on neural processing, emotional reactivity and well-being in healthy male individuals: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2016; 17:44. [PMID: 26801980 PMCID: PMC4724084 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Deviation from the physiological glucocorticoid dynamics (circadian and underlying ultradian rhythmicity) is a common characteristic of various neuropsychiatric and endocrine disorders as well as glucocorticoid-based therapeutics. These states may be accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptomatology, suggesting continuous dynamic glucocorticoid equilibrium is essential for brain homeostasis. Methods/design The study consists of two parts. The preliminary stage of the study aims to validate (technically and pharmacologically) and optimise three different patterns of systemic cortisol administration in man. These patterns are based on the combinatory administration of metyrapone, to suppress endogenous cortisol production, and concurrent hydrocortisone replacement. The second, subsequent, core part of the study is a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study, where participants (healthy male individuals aged 18–60 years) will undergo all three hydrocortisone replacement schemes. During these infusion regimes, we plan a number of neurobehavioural tests and imaging of the brain to assess neural processing, emotional reactivity and perception, mood and self-perceived well-being. The psychological tests include: ecological momentary assessment, P1vital Oxford Emotional Test Battery and Emotional Potentiated Startle Test, Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire and the visual working memory task (n-back). The neuroimaging protocol combines magnetic resonance sequences that capture data related to the functional and perfusion status of the brain. Discussion Results of this clinical trial are designed to evaluate the impact (with possible mechanistic insights) of different patterns of daily glucocorticoid dynamics on neural processing and reactivity related to emotional perception and mood. This evidence should contribute to the optimisation of the clinical application of glucocorticoid-based therapeutics. Trial registration UK Clinical Research Network, IRAS Ref: 106181, UKCRN-ID-15236 (23 October 2013)
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Kalafatakis
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK. .,Bristol Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, BS28HW, UK. .,Clinical Research and Imaging Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS28DX, UK.
| | - Georgina M Russell
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK. .,Bristol Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, BS28HW, UK.
| | - Catherine J Harmer
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX, UK.
| | - Marcus R Munafo
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies, School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS81TU, UK.
| | - Nicky Marchant
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK. .,Bristol Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, BS28HW, UK.
| | - Aileen Wilson
- Clinical Research and Imaging Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS28DX, UK.
| | - Jonathan C W Brooks
- Clinical Research and Imaging Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS28DX, UK.
| | - Ngoc J Thai
- Clinical Research and Imaging Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS28DX, UK.
| | - Stuart G Ferguson
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia.
| | - Kirsty Stevenson
- Bristol Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, BS28HW, UK.
| | - Claire Durant
- Clinical Research and Imaging Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS28DX, UK.
| | - Kristin Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37JX, UK.
| | - Stafford L Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK. .,Bristol Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, BS28HW, UK.
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Kalafatakis K, Russell GM, Zarros A, Lightman SL. Temporal control of glucocorticoid neurodynamics and its relevance for brain homeostasis, neuropathology and glucocorticoid-based therapeutics. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 61:12-25. [PMID: 26656793 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids mediate plethora of actions throughout the human body. Within the brain, they modulate aspects of immune system and neuroinflammatory processes, interfere with cellular metabolism and viability, interact with systems of neurotransmission and regulate neural rhythms. The influence of glucocorticoids on memory and emotional behaviour is well known and there is increasing evidence for their involvement in many neuropsychiatric pathologies. These effects, which at times can be in opposing directions, depend not only on the concentration of glucocorticoids but also the duration of their presence, the temporal relationship between their fluctuations, the co-influence of other stimuli, and the overall state of brain activity. Moreover, they are region- and cell type-specific. The molecular basis of such diversity of effects lies on the orchestration of the spatiotemporal interplay between glucocorticoid- and mineralocorticoid receptors, and is achieved through complex dynamics, mainly mediated via the circadian and ultradian pattern of glucocorticoid secretion. More sophisticated methodologies are therefore required to better approach the study of these hormones and improve the effectiveness of glucocorticoid-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Kalafatakis
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom.
| | - Georgina M Russell
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom.
| | - Apostolos Zarros
- Research Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom.
| | - Stafford L Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom.
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