Adrenal cortex senescence: an ageing-related pathology?

Abstract

The adrenal glands are a pair of endocrine organs that produce and secrete mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, sex hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. They have a vital role in a range of physiological processes including regulating electrolyte balance, blood pressure and metabolism, immunomodulation, sexual development and the stress response. Adrenal cortex senescence describes the ageing-related decline in the normal functioning of the adrenal cortex, characterised by an alteration in the output of adrenal cortical hormones, in particular reduced secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and sulfated dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS). Such endocrine aberrations may be implicated in adverse clinical outcomes including mood disturbances, impairment in cognitive functioning, metabolic dysfunction and osteopenia. This paper shall address whether adrenal cortex senescence should be recognised as an ageing-related pathology, which has recently been defined as one that develops and/or progresses with increasing chronological age, that is associated with, or contributes to, functional decline, and is evidenced by studies in humans.