Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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Filip Van Den Eede(a,c,d,*), Greta Moorkens(b), Boudewijn Van Houdenhove(e),
Paul Cosyns(a,c), Stephan J. Claes(d,e)
Published online: June 27, 2007
Abstract
There is evidence for a hypofunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a proportion of the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS), despite the negative studies and methodological difficulties. In this review, we focus on challenge studies and on the role of the HPA axis in the pathogenesis of CFS. Mild hypocortisolism, blunted adrenocorticotropin response to stressors and enhanced negative feedback sensitivity to glucocorticoids are the main findings. Several underlying mechanisms have been proposed. Currently, it is a matter of debate whether these disturbances have a primary role in the pathogenesis of CFS. However, even if the HPA axis dysfunctions are secondary to other factors, they are probably a relevant factor in symptom propagation in CFS.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filip Van Den Eede(a,c,d,*), Greta Moorkens(b), Boudewijn Van Houdenhove(e),
Paul Cosyns(a,c), Stephan J. Claes(d,e)
Published online: June 27, 2007
Abstract
There is evidence for a hypofunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a proportion of the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS), despite the negative studies and methodological difficulties. In this review, we focus on challenge studies and on the role of the HPA axis in the pathogenesis of CFS. Mild hypocortisolism, blunted adrenocorticotropin response to stressors and enhanced negative feedback sensitivity to glucocorticoids are the main findings. Several underlying mechanisms have been proposed. Currently, it is a matter of debate whether these disturbances have a primary role in the pathogenesis of CFS. However, even if the HPA axis dysfunctions are secondary to other factors, they are probably a relevant factor in symptom propagation in CFS.
