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This Article Accepted manuscript (PDF) All Versions of this Article: EJE-08-0544v1 159/5/649    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Zarkovia, M. Articles by Trbojevic, B. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Zarkovia, M. Articles by Trbojevic, B.

Cortisol response to ACTH stimulation correlates with blood interleukin-6 concentration in healthy humans

M Zarkovia, Institute of Endocrinology, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
S Ignjatovia, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
M Dajak, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
J Ciric, Institute of Endocrinology, Belgrade, Serbia
B Beleslin, Institute of Endocrinology, Belgrade, Serbia
S Savic, Institute of Endocrinology, Belgrade, Serbia
M Stojkovic, Institute of Endocrinology, Belgrade, Serbia
P Bulat, Institute of Occupational Health, Belgrade, Serbia
B Trbojevic, Institute of Endocrinology, Belgrade, Serbia

Correspondence: Milos Zarkovia, Email: mzarkov{at}eunet.yu

Abstract

Objective: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has the ability to influence each level of the HPA axis. The aim of the study was to test whether IL-6 concentration correlates with the adrenal cortex response to ACTH in healthy humans. We postulated that higher basal IL-6 concentration would be associated with the higher cortisol response to the stimulation. Design and Methods: Basal IL-6 concentration was measured and low dose (1 mcg) ACTH test was performed to assess cortisol response. Twenty-seven apparently healthy subjects (11 male, 16 female, mean age 31.1 years, age range 22 to 47 years) were included in the study. Results: Data are presented as mean±SE. Basal IL6-level was 0.84±0.10 pg/mL. Basal cortisol was 351.9±18.3 nmol/L. Maximal cortisol during Synacthen test was 653.0±20.6 nmol/L. Maximal cortisol increment was 301.1±20.0 nmol/L. IL-6 concentration was not correlated with basal or maximal cortisol concentration, but correlated significantly correlated with cortisol increment (r=0.63, 95%CI 0.42-0.83). Conclusions: In our study we found that higher basal IL-6 concentration is associated with the higher cortisol response to the ACTH stimulation. Based on previous research and our data, IL-6, even in low concentration and in physiologic conditions modulates adrenal cortex responsivity to ACTH. Therefore, it seems that immune modulation of HPA axis is present in physiologic and not only in pathologic conditions.