[Hormonal axes in obesity: cause or effect?]

Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2007 Feb;51(1):34-41. doi: 10.1590/s0004-27302007000100007.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Several endocrine changes have been described in the obesity state. The corticotropic axis is hyperresponsive and there is enhancement of hormonal clearance, but cortisol levels are within the normal range. It is important to characterize a pseudo-Cushing in obesity. Leptin seems to be a permissive hormone for the beginning of puberty. In adults, gonadotropines are normal, and hyperandrogenism and hyperestrogenism are found. In women, insulin resistance has a central role in polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS), which is associated to ovarian hyperandrogenemia. In obese subjects, growth hormone (GH) is generally low and IGF1 is normal. Thyroid function is commonly normal in obese subjects.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism
  • Endocrine Glands / metabolism*
  • Gonadotropins, Pituitary / metabolism
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism
  • Hormones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism*
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology
  • Leptin / metabolism
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Thyrotropin / metabolism

Substances

  • Gonadotropins, Pituitary
  • Hormones
  • Leptin
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Thyrotropin
  • Growth Hormone