HPA axis regulation and epigenetic programming of immune-related genes in chronically stressed and non-stressed mid-life women.

ABSTRACT: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation has been associated with altered immune function, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, respond to the glucocorticoid end-products of the HPA axis (cortisol in humans) and could be involved in this neuroendocrine-immune crosstalk. Here we examined the extent to which variations in HPA axis regulation are associated with peripheral blood DNA (CpG) methylation changes in 57 chronically stressed caregivers and 67 control women. DNA methylation was determined with the Illumina 450k array for a panel of genes involved in HPA axis and immune function. HPA axis feedback was assessed with the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (DST), measuring the extent to which cortisol se

SUBMITTER: Palma-Gudiel H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7897273 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature