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Mini Review - Journal Clinical Psychiatry and Cognitive Psychology (2025) Volume 9, Issue 3
Neuroendocrine: Pervasive role in health and disease
Daniel Whitcomb*
Department of Clinical Psychiatry Division, Pacific Behavioral Science University, UK
- *Corresponding Author:
- Daniel Whitcomb
Department of Clinical Psychiatry Division
Pacific Behavioral Science University, UK.
E-mail: daniel.whitcomb@gmail.com
Received : 06-Jul-2025, Manuscript No. AACPCP-25-231; Editor assigned : 08-Jul-2025, PreQC No. AACPCP-25-231(PQ); Reviewed : 28-Jul-2025, QC No AACPCP-25-231; Revised : 06-Aug-2025, Manuscript No. AACPCP-25-231(R); Published : 15-Aug-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/AACPCP-9.3.231
Citation: Whitcomb D. Neuroendocrine: Pervasive role in health and disease. J Clin Psychiatry Cog Psychol. 2025;09(03):231.
Introduction
Understanding the nuanced influence of sex differences on the neuroendocrine response to stress is critical, particularly concerning the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. This area of research reveals distinct mechanisms in males and females that contribute to varying susceptibility and pathophysiology in stress-related psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, emphasizing the need for sex-specific therapeutic approaches [1].
Furthermore, the intricate relationship between the HPA axis and metabolic regulation is a significant focus. Chronic stress and HPA axis dysfunction are known to profoundly impact glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and overall energy balance, thereby contributing substantially to the development and progression of prevalent metabolic disorders, including obesity and Type 2 Diabetes [2].
Aging is characterized by significant neuroendocrine and endocrine alterations. These changes encompass modifications in hormone production, receptor sensitivity, and crucial feedback mechanisms, collectively contributing to a range of age-related health issues such as metabolic dysregulation, cognitive decline, and reduced stress resilience. Recognizing these physiological shifts is essential for developing effective interventions to foster healthy aging [3].
The comprehensive neuroendocrine mechanisms governing reproduction across diverse vertebrate species represent a complex and vital biological system. This involves detailing the precise roles of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones, neuropeptides, and various environmental cues in orchestrating sexual development, gametogenesis, and specific reproductive behaviors, while also highlighting both conserved and diversified regulatory pathways [4].
In the realm of oncology, a review of diagnostic biomarkers in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is pivotal. It assesses the efficacy of established markers like chromogranin A and somatostatin receptor imaging, and critically explores emerging blood-based and tissue-based biomarkers. The goal is to enhance early detection, improve risk stratification, and facilitate personalized treatment strategies for NET patients, representing a significant step forward in patient care [5].
The bidirectional communication within the neuroendocrine-immune axis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of autoimmune diseases. This area of study clarifies how neurotransmitters, hormones, and cytokines interact to modulate immune responses. Importantly, dysregulation within this axis can significantly contribute to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, thus revealing potential new therapeutic targets [6].
Research into neuroendocrine mechanisms, particularly focusing on sex differences, is instrumental in understanding the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Specific hormones like estrogens, androgens, and glucocorticoids are shown to modulate neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta accumulation, and tau pathology. This suggests that sex-specific hormonal changes are significant contributors to AD risk and severity, thereby offering potential avenues for sex-specific therapeutic interventions [7].
The gut-brain axis, viewed through a neuroendocrine lens, is crucial for regulating eating behavior and metabolism. It meticulously details how gut-derived hormones and signals communicate with the brain to exert control over appetite, satiety, energy expenditure, and nutrient partitioning. This understanding provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for addressing conditions like obesity and other metabolic disorders [8].
Exploring the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying resilience to stress, with a particular emphasis on the critical roles of various neuropeptides, reveals fascinating insights. Neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y, oxytocin, and vasopressin are instrumental in modulating stress circuits, anxiety levels, and coping behaviors. These findings offer promising insights into potential targets for enhancing stress adaptation and treating associated mental health conditions [9].
Finally, innovative neuroendocrine strategies for managing chronic pain represent a field with both promising opportunities and inherent challenges. By targeting neuroendocrine pathways, including those involving stress hormones, neuropeptides, and their receptors, it is possible to modulate pain perception and inflammation. This opens new therapeutic avenues beyond conventional analgesics, though complexities in clinical translation remain significant [10].
Conclusion
The neuroendocrine system, an intricate network of hormones and neural signals, plays a fundamental role in regulating numerous physiological processes and influencing health outcomes. Research highlights how sex differences significantly impact the neuroendocrine response to stress, particularly involving the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, with distinct implications for psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety. This suggests a need for tailored therapeutic strategies that consider biological sex. Beyond stress, the HPA axis is deeply intertwined with metabolic regulation. Its dysfunction, often due to chronic stress, can disrupt glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and energy balance, paving the way for metabolic disorders such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Aging introduces considerable neuroendocrine and endocrine alterations, affecting hormone production, receptor sensitivity, and feedback loops. These changes contribute to common age-related health challenges, including further metabolic dysregulation, cognitive decline, and a decreased ability to cope with stress, underscoring the importance of understanding these shifts for healthy aging interventions. The scope of neuroendocrine influence extends to the immune system, forming a critical bidirectional neuroendocrine-immune axis. Dysregulation in this communication can underpin the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, revealing potential new therapeutic targets. Additionally, specific neuroendocrine mechanisms, including sex-specific hormonal changes, are implicated in the development and progression of Alzheimer's Disease, impacting neuroinflammation and pathology. Furthermore, the neuroendocrine system governs vital functions like reproduction across vertebrates, orchestrating sexual development and behaviors through the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis. It also mediates the gut-brain axis, where gut-derived hormones communicate with the brain to control appetite, satiety, and metabolism, offering insights for managing obesity. Finally, neuroendocrine mechanisms are crucial for understanding stress resilience, with neuropeptides modulating stress circuits and coping behaviors. Innovative approaches are also being explored to target neuroendocrine pathways for chronic pain management, aiming to modulate pain perception and inflammation beyond conventional analgesics. This diverse research collectively points to the pervasive and critical role of neuroendocrine signaling in health and disease, driving the search for targeted diagnostics and therapies.
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