Cortisol on Circadian Rhythm and Its Effect on Cardiovascular System

Nor Amira Syahira Mohd Azmi, Norsham Juliana, Sahar Azmani, Nadia Mohd Effendy, Izuddin Fahmy Abu, Nur Islami Mohd Fahmi Teng and Srijit Das
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Nor Amira Syahira Mohd Azmi: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Norsham Juliana: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Sahar Azmani: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Nadia Mohd Effendy: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Izuddin Fahmy Abu: Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
Nur Islami Mohd Fahmi Teng: Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
Srijit Das: Department of Anatomy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: The synthesis and secretion of cortisol are controlled by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Cortisol exhibits a proper 24-h circadian rhythm that affects the brain, the autonomic nervous system, the heart, and the vasculature that prepares the cardiovascular system for optimal function during these anticipated behavioral cycles. A literature search was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Relevant search terms included “circadian rhythm and cardiovascular”, “cortisol”, “cortisol and acute coronary syndrome”, “cortisol and arrhythmias”, “cortisol and sudden cardiac death”, “cortisol and stroke”, and “cardioprotective agents”. A total of 120 articles were obtained on the basis of the above search. Lower levels of cortisol were seen at the beginning of sleep, while there was a rise towards the end of sleep, with the highest level reached at the moment the individual wakes up. In the present review, we discuss the role of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD1), which is a novel molecular target of interest for treating metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes mellitus. 11β-HSD1 is the major determinant of cortisol excess, and its inhibition alleviates metabolic abnormalities. The present review highlights the role of cortisol, which controls the circadian rhythm, and describes its effect on the cardiovascular system. The review provides a platform for future potential cardioprotective therapeutic agents.

Keywords: cortisol; biological clock; circadian rhythm; heart; cardiovascular (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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