Abstract
BackgroundReported findings are inconsistent whether hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) signaling becomes hyperactive with increasing age, resulting in increasing levels of cortisol. Our previous research strongly suggests that offspring from long-lived families are biologically younger. In this study we assessed whether these offspring have a lower HPA axis activity, as measured by lower levels of cortisol and higher cortisol feedback sensitivity.MethodsSalivary cortisol levels were measured at four time points within the first hour upon awakening and at two time points in the evening in a cohort comprising 149 offspring and 154 partners from the Leiden Longevity Study. A dexamethasone suppression test was performed as a measure of cortisol feedback sensitivity. Age, gender and body mass index, smoking and disease history (type 2 diabetes and hypertension) were considered as possible confounding factors.ResultsSalivary cortisol secretion was lower in offspring compared to partners in the morning (Area Under the Curve = 15.6 versus 17.1 nmol/L, respectively; p = 0.048) and in the evening (Area Under the Curve = 3.32 versus 3.82 nmol/L, respectively; p = 0.024). Salivary cortisol levels were not different after dexamethasone (0.5 mg) suppression between offspring and partners (4.82 versus 5.26 nmol/L, respectively; p = 0.28).ConclusionOffspring of nonagenarian siblings are marked by a lower HPA axis activity (reflected by lower diurnal salivary cortisol levels), but not by a difference in cortisol feedback sensitivity. Further in-depth studies aimed at characterizing the HPA axis in offspring and partners are needed.
Highlights
Cortisol secretion is tightly regulated by the hippocampus and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through a negative feedback mechanism [1]
In the brain, binding of cortisol to high affinity mineralocorticoid receptors plays an important role in negative feedback control under basal conditions, while binding of cortisol to low affinity glucocorticoid receptors plays an important role in feedback control during stress
In the Leiden Longevity Study we have previously shown that middle aged offspring from long lived nonagenarian siblings seem biologically younger than their age and environmentally matched partners as reflected in a lower prevalence of age-related diseases [18], lower mortality [19], lower glucose levels [20], and higher insulin sensitivity [21,22]
Summary
Cortisol secretion is tightly regulated by the hippocampus and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through a negative feedback mechanism [1]. Cortisol levels show a distinct rise directly after awakening, which reaches peak levels at 30 minutes and returns to baseline levels 60 minutes after awakening. Because of its intra-individual stability, the cortisol awakening response is considered a trait measure for HPA axis activity [3]. Reported findings are inconsistent whether hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) signaling becomes hyperactive with increasing age, resulting in increasing levels of cortisol. In this study we assessed whether these offspring have a lower HPA axis activity, as measured by lower levels of cortisol and higher cortisol feedback sensitivity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
