Sneha Goswami

Glucocorticoids and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease

Started June 21, 2024

Abstract or project description

Physiological stress mediated by excess secretion of glucocorticoids can have a significant effect on the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Glucocorticoids, which are hormones secreted by the adrenal glands and are controlled by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Adrenal axis in response to stress, have a major impact on the pathophysiology of PD mostly through controlling mitochondrial function. Since, non-genetic sporadic Parkinson’s disease can be caused by a multitude of environmental factors including physiological and psychological stress, and currently there is no absolute cure for PD, understanding the biochemical pathways involving glucocorticoids and their implication in PD could open up new line of treatment options. The aim of this paper is to look into the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids play a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease through mitochondrial dysfunction, and to propose novel therapies.