The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and -thyroid axes activation lasting one year after an earthquake swarm: results from a big data analysis.
J Endocrinol Invest
; 44(7): 1501-1513, 2021 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33123965
PURPOSE: To cope physical and/or psychological threats, the human body activates multiple processes, mediated by a close interconnection among brain, endocrine and inflammatory systems. The aim of the study was to assess the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axes involvement after an acute stressful event (Emilia Romagna earthquake swarm) with a big data approach. METHODS: A retrospective, observational trial was performed, collecting all biochemical examinations regarding HPA and HPT axes performed in the same laboratory the year before and the year after the earthquake swarm (20-29 May 2012). RESULTS: Comparing 2576 pre-earthquake to 3021 post-earthquake measurements, a cortisol serum level increase was observed (p < 0.001). Similar increase was evident for urinary free cortisol (p = 0.016), but not for adrenocorticotropic hormone (p = 0.222). The biochemical hypercortisolism incidence increased from 7.6 to 10.3% after earthquakes (p = 0.001). Comparing 68,456 pre-earthquake to 116,521 post-earthquake measurements, a reduction in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels was evident (p = 0.018), together with an increase in free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant increase in altered TSH after earthquakes was registered considering the epicenter-nearest measurements (p < 0.001). No clinically relevant alterations were observed considering thyroid-specific autoantibodies. CONCLUSION: A long-term HPA axis activation in the inhabitants of the earthquake-affected areas was highlighted for the first time. Moreover, an increased incidence of biochemical hypercortisolism emerged after earthquakes. We confirmed a recruitment of HPT axis after stressful events, together with increased incidence of altered TSH in the. Our big data study allowed to increase knowledge about the connection between external stressors and endocrine regulation.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Sistema Hipófiso-Suprarrenal
/
Glándula Tiroides
/
Hormonas Tiroideas
/
Hidrocortisona
/
Síndrome de Cushing
/
Terremotos
/
Hipotálamo
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Endocrinol Invest
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia