Molecular Biology, Genetic, and Epigenetics of Adrenal Tumor Publisher



L Zareian Baghdadabad LEILA ; Z Ahadi ZEINAB ; H Roudgari HASSAN ; M Ebrahimi MEHDI
Source: Published:2024

Abstract

Adrenal glands are tiny structures placed on the kidneys. These endocrine glands are responsible for releasing a variety of steroid hormones into the circulatory system. These hormones play such a crucial role in human physiology that life would be impossible without adrenal glands (unless the patient is provided the aforementioned hormones in the vast majority of alternative medications). Each adrenal gland has a center portion and two outer cortical sections. Aldosterone, cortisol, and adrenal androgens (primarily androsterone and testosterone) are the major hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. Catecholamine is made in the middle portion of the adrenal gland. Aldosterone helps control blood pressure by balancing sodium and water in the body. The hormone cortisol has anti-inflammatory effects in addition to its roles in metabolic regulation and the body’s response to stress. Androsterone and testosterone are male sex hormones that help keep men and women biologically distinct. Adrenaline, noradrenaline, and a trace amount of dopamine are all catecholamines that play a role in how the body reacts to stress. The pituitary gland in the brain controls the adrenal glands’ hormone production. This control happens by the generation of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary gland and its action on the adrenal gland. When the adrenal glands are dysfunctional, the body produces inadequate amounts of one or more hormones. Different types of problems have different effects on hormone levels, and these two factors determine the phenotype of this group of illnesses. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.