Adrenal insufficiency pathophysiology
|
Adrenal insufficiency Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Adrenal insufficiency pathophysiology On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Adrenal insufficiency pathophysiology |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Adrenal insufficiency pathophysiology |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
The exact pathogenesis of [disease name] is not fully understood.
OR
It is thought that [disease name] is the result of / is mediated by / is produced by / is caused by either [hypothesis 1], [hypothesis 2], or [hypothesis 3].
OR
[Pathogen name] is usually transmitted via the [transmission route] route to the human host.
OR
Following transmission/ingestion, the [pathogen] uses the [entry site] to invade the [cell name] cell.
OR
[Disease or malignancy name] arises from [cell name]s, which are [cell type] cells that are normally involved in [function of cells].
OR
The progression to [disease name] usually involves the [molecular pathway].
OR
The pathophysiology of [disease/malignancy] depends on the histological subtype.
Pathophysiology
Physiology
Adrenal insufficiency arises due to the deficiency of adrenocortical hormones.The normal physiology of adrenocortical hormone production can be understood as follows: The adrenal cortex is divided into three zones from outside to inside as - Zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata and zona reticularis which are responsible for the production of streroidogenic hormones like mineralocorticoid, glucocorticoid and androgens respectively. [1]
Pathogenesis
The pathophysiology of adrenal insufficiency depends on the etiological subtype.
Autoimmune adrenalitis: Both humoral and cell-mediated immune mechanisms attack enzymes involved in adrenocortical hormone synthesis. Autoantibodies against 21-hydroxylase, an enzyme required in the biosynthesis of adrenocortical hormones can be found. The patients remain asymptomatic until 90% of the cortex is destroyed. It can present as isolated autoimmune adrenalitis in 30-40% of cases or as an autoimmune polyglandular syndrome in 60-70% of cases. The autoimmune polyglandular syndrome in subclassified as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1(APS type 1) and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 (APS type 2)
X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy(X-ALD): X-ALD occurs due to mutations in the peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter encoded by the ABCD1 gene. Disruption of this transport protein leads to the accumulation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFA). Male patients usually present in childhood or adolescence, whereas heterozygous females present between 40-50 years. The phenotypic expression is variable and can present as pre-symptomatic, cerebral inflammatory demyelination, myelopathy, adrenal insufficiency. The lifetime prevalence of adrenal insufficiency is 80% in males, with the highest risk being in the first decade. Adrenal Insufficiency is extremely rare in females.
Genetics
Autoimmune adrenalitis: Genes involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune adrenalitis include HLA DR3/DQ2 and DR4/DQ8.
- The autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 is transmitted in an autosomal recessive pattern. Gene involved in the pathogenesis is the autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE).
- The autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 shows a polygenic inheritance. A strong association has been shown with HLA DR3 of MHC.
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: Genes involved in the pathogenesis of X-ALD include the ABCD1 gene which causes an alteration in peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter.
[Disease name] is transmited in [mode of genetic transmission] pattern.
OR
Genes involved in the pathogenesis of [disease name] include:
- [Gene1]
- [Gene2]
- [Gene3]
OR
The development of [disease name] is the result of multiple genetic mutations such as:
- [Mutation 1]
- [Mutation 2]
- [Mutation 3]
Associated Conditions
- Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 is also known as Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED). It is associated with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hyperparathyroidism, total alopecia.
- Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 is associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, vitiligo, premature ovarian failure, type 1 diabetes mellitus, pernicious anemia.
X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy: Apart from presenting as adrenal insufficiency it is also associated with cerebral inflammatory demyelination, myelopathy.
Gross Pathology
On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
Microscopic Pathology
On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].