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Published in:

01-06-2009

The pituitary–adrenal axis and body composition

Authors: Eva Fernandez-Rodriguez, Paul M. Stewart, Mark S. Cooper

Published in: Pituitary | Issue 2/2009

Abstract

The activity of the pituitary–adrenal axis can profoundly impact on body composition. This is dramatically seen in Cushing’s syndrome (CS) but changes in body composition are also implicated in depression and alcoholic pseudocushing’s. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these changes remain poorly understood. Changes to body composition in CS include increased fat mass, decreased bone mass, thinning of the skin and reduced lean mass. Why these tissues are affected so dramatically is unclear. Additionally, the change in body composition between individuals varies considerably for reasons which are only now becoming evident. This paper reviews the phenotypic changes with altered pituitary–adrenal axis activity and discusses the mechanisms involved. The primary focus is on adipose, bone, muscle and skin since the most dramatic changes are seen in these tissues.

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Title: The pituitary–adrenal axis and body composition
Authors: Eva Fernandez-Rodriguez
Paul M. Stewart
Mark S. Cooper
Publication date: 01-06-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Pituitary / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 1386-341X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7403
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-008-0098-2

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Watch this official video from ACC.24. Dr. Biykem Bozkurt discusses last year's major advances in heart failure and cardiomyopathies.

ACC 2024 Congress Coverage

Year in Review: Heart failure and cardiomyopathies

Heart Failure Video

Watch this official video from ACC.24. Dr. Biykem Bozkurt discusses last year's major advances in heart failure and cardiomyopathies.

Watch now

Semaglutide benefits people with type 2 diabetes and obesity-related heart failure

16-04-2024 Type 2 Diabetes News

Incentivised to exercise

11-04-2024 Lifestyle Modifications News

New intervention for STEMI-related cardiogenic shock

10-04-2024 Myocardial Infarction News

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Image Credits

Illustration of figure on mountain summit/© Orapun / Stock.adobe.com, STEP AAG HeroTeaserCollection image/© Tarek / Generated with AI / Stock.adobe.com, ACC 2024 Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease: Year in Review/© 2024 American College of Cardiology, ACC 2024 Pulmonary Vascular Disease: Year in Review/© 2024 American College of Cardiology, ACC 2024 Valvular Heart Disease: Year in Review/© 2024 American College of Cardiology, ACC 2024 HF and Cardiomyopathies: Year in Review/© 2024 American College of Cardiology, Woman out walking/© Seventyfour / stock.adobe.com (symbolic image with model), Woman checking smartwatch /© saltdium / stock.adobe.com (symbolic image with model), Cardiac catheterization/© Damian / stock.adobe.com

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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Review of physiology, clinical manifestations, and management of hypothalamic obesity in humans

Androgen deficiency: effects on body composition

Alterations in body composition in acromegaly

The effects of hyperprolactinemia on bone and fat

GH/GHRH axis in HIV lipodystrophy

Transitioning of children with GH deficiency to adult dosing: changes in body composition

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Highlights from the ACC 2024 Congress

ACC 2024 Congress Coverage