Metabolic derangement in young adults : where does cortisol stand?

• Main Authors: Wan Omar, Wan Fatein Nabeila, A.Talib, Norlelawati, Abdullah, Aszrin, Ab Rahman, Jamalludin, Mohd Shah, Azarisman Shah
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: QP Physiology; RC627 Specialties of Internal Medicine-Metabolic Diseases; RC648 Specialties of Internal Medicine-Diseases of The Endocrine Glands. Clinical Endocrinology
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/84963/2/AOCESICEM2020%20poster.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/84963/3/Cert%20SICEM%20AOCE.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/84963/29/Dr%20Wan%20Fatien.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/84963/

Objectives: Cortisol, a stress hormone released from the adrenal gland, has well-recognised role in Cushings syndrome. It was suggested that cortisol could also be implicated in metabolic syndrome, which shares some features with Cushings syndrome. The aim of this study is to examine the association between cortisol and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in a young adult population. Methods: The data from an observational cross-sectional study conducted in 2017-2018 was analysed. The study involved 240 healthy, non-diabetic subjects aged 18 to 45 years in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia who were recruited via purposive sampling based on blood pressure status. Fasting blood was collected for early morning serum cortisol, lipid profile and fasting blood glucose. Body mass index and haemodynamic parameters were documented. MetS was defined by the Joint Interim Statement guideline. Results: 24.2% had MetS. Serum cortisol were higher in subjects with MetS compared to those without (p = 0.035). Among the MetS components, significant association was observed between cortisol and raised blood pressure (p = 0.004), and hypertriglyceridaemia (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Cortisol was higher in young adults with MetS, specifically was associated with elevated blood pressure and hypertriglyceridaemia. Our findings suggested that cortisol could be an underlying factor of metabolic derangement in young adults, thus, a potential target for intervention.