Conclusions: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of abnormalities that predispose individuals to diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients with metabolic syndrome exhibit hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system, resulting in «functional hypercorticism.» Stress is thought to play a significant role in this interaction by increasing the sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The enzyme 11-betahydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11HSD1), which is involved in glucocorticoid metabolism in peripheral tissues (particularly adipose tissue and liver), has been implicated in metabolic syndrome and central obesity. Overexpression of 11HSD1 in adipocytes is observed in metabolic syndrome and central obesity, leading to increased conversion of cortisone to cortisol and excessive tissue-specific glucocorticoid activity.
Cherska et al. (Thu,) studied this question.