Endocrinology Adrenal Insufficiency

ROS plays an essential physiological role in steroidogenesis (synthesis of steroid hormones); however, in excess, they can have harmful effects on the function of the adrenal gland. Steroidogenesis itself increases ROS generation, making the adrenal gland susceptible to oxidative damage. Inherited defects in the components of several different subcellular compartments have been described in association with increased susceptibility to oxidative stress and adrenal insufficiency. The use and further development of techniques related to detecting ROS in a site-specific way will provide more information on the specific cellular targets involved. Additional functional history in conjunction with careful phenotyping of the respective patient cohorts will allow a better understanding of the role of these proteins in human biology.

Given the ubiquitous expression of the causative genes identified so far, this knowledge could be invaluable in directing patient surveillance and potentially provide therapeutic intervention targets. An antioxidant defense within the adrenal glands certainly warrants further research and exploration of alternative therapies such as GlutActive supplementation.