Stress hormone
Stress hormones are secreted by endocrine glands to modify one's internal environment during the times of stress.[1] By performing various functions such as mobilizing energy sources, increasing heart rate, and downregulating metabolic processes which are not immediately necessary, stress hormones promote the survival of the organism.[1] The secretions of some hormones are also downplayed during stress.[1] Stress hormones include, but are not limited to:[1]
- Cortisol, the main human stress hormone
- Catecholamines such as adrenaline and norepinephrine
- Vasopressin
- Growth hormone
Role in human health
Endocrine glands secrete stress hormones to modify one's internal environment during stress.[2] By performing various functions such as mobilizing energy sources, increasing heart rate, and downregulating metabolic processes that are not immediately necessary, stress hormones promote the survival of the organism. The secretions of some hormones are also downplayed during stress. Stress hormones include, but are not limited to, cortisol, catecholamines such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, vasopressin, and growth hormone.[3][4][5][6]
Stress hormones play a complex role in fighting diseases and infections, as they can have both positive and negative effects on the
On the other hand, stress hormones can also suppress the immune response by reducing the number and function of
Some viruses, such as Influenza and SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, are known to suppress the secretion of stress hormones to avoid the organism's immune response, thus avoiding the immune protection of the organism. These viruses suppress the stress hormone cortisol by producing a protein that mimics the human ACTH hormone but is incomplete and does not have hormonal activity. ACTH is a hormone that stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisol and other steroid hormones. However, the organism makes antibodies against this viral protein, and those antibodies also kill the human ACTH hormone, which leads to the suppression of adrenal gland function. Such adrenal suppression is a way for a virus to evade immune detection and elimination.[15][4][6]
This viral strategy can have severe consequences for the host (human that is infected by the virus), as cortisol is essential for regulating various physiological processes, such as metabolism, blood pressure, inflammation, and immune response. A lack of cortisol can result in a condition called adrenal insufficiency, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Adrenal insufficiency can also impair the ability of the host to cope with stress and infections, as cortisol helps to mobilize energy sources, increase heart rate, and downregulate non-essential metabolic processes during stress. Therefore, by suppressing cortisol production, some viruses can escape the immune system and weaken the host's overall health and resilience.[9][4][6]
References
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- ^ "How Does Stress Affect the Immune System?". 10 November 2020. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
- ISBN 978-3-030-16995-4. Archivedfrom the original on 2024-01-30. Retrieved 2024-01-30.
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