Abstract
An immunological deficit is often associated with cancer processes. Because cortisol has an important immunosuppressive activity and it is strictly involved in stress responses, we examined its serum levels in colorectal cancer patients and its relationships with peripheral lymphocyte counts. Cortisol circadian rhythm and total and CD4+ lymphocytes were determined in 40 patients. The rate of patients with an altered cortisol circadian rhythm was 28%, and it was significantly more frequent in patients with nodal involvement (P <0.005) and with metastatic spread (P <0.005). Patient ratio with total lymphocytes assessment decrease was 30%. There was no correlation between lymphocytopenia and alteration of cortisol circadian rhythm. Data suggest a significant adrenal glands rhythm modification during cancer processes, associated with poor prognostic factors. Cortisol levels and lymphocytopenia seem not to be related. The origins of these alterations are unknown. They may favor or result from cancer spread.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 68-71 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | International Surgery |
| Volume | 91 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2006 |
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Keywords
- Colorectal cancer
- Cortisol
- Endocrine system
- Immunodeficiency
- Lymphocytopenia
- Metastatic disease
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
Cite this
Endocrine and immunological alterations during cancer processes. / Mussi, Chiara; Crippa, Stefano; Bonardi, Claudia; Fontana, Alberto; Caprotti, Roberto; Uggeri, Franco.
In: International Surgery, Vol. 91, No. 2, 03.2006, p. 68-71.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Endocrine and immunological alterations during cancer processes
AU - Mussi, Chiara
AU - Crippa, Stefano
AU - Bonardi, Claudia
AU - Fontana, Alberto
AU - Caprotti, Roberto
AU - Uggeri, Franco
PY - 2006/3
Y1 - 2006/3
N2 - An immunological deficit is often associated with cancer processes. Because cortisol has an important immunosuppressive activity and it is strictly involved in stress responses, we examined its serum levels in colorectal cancer patients and its relationships with peripheral lymphocyte counts. Cortisol circadian rhythm and total and CD4+ lymphocytes were determined in 40 patients. The rate of patients with an altered cortisol circadian rhythm was 28%, and it was significantly more frequent in patients with nodal involvement (P <0.005) and with metastatic spread (P <0.005). Patient ratio with total lymphocytes assessment decrease was 30%. There was no correlation between lymphocytopenia and alteration of cortisol circadian rhythm. Data suggest a significant adrenal glands rhythm modification during cancer processes, associated with poor prognostic factors. Cortisol levels and lymphocytopenia seem not to be related. The origins of these alterations are unknown. They may favor or result from cancer spread.
AB - An immunological deficit is often associated with cancer processes. Because cortisol has an important immunosuppressive activity and it is strictly involved in stress responses, we examined its serum levels in colorectal cancer patients and its relationships with peripheral lymphocyte counts. Cortisol circadian rhythm and total and CD4+ lymphocytes were determined in 40 patients. The rate of patients with an altered cortisol circadian rhythm was 28%, and it was significantly more frequent in patients with nodal involvement (P <0.005) and with metastatic spread (P <0.005). Patient ratio with total lymphocytes assessment decrease was 30%. There was no correlation between lymphocytopenia and alteration of cortisol circadian rhythm. Data suggest a significant adrenal glands rhythm modification during cancer processes, associated with poor prognostic factors. Cortisol levels and lymphocytopenia seem not to be related. The origins of these alterations are unknown. They may favor or result from cancer spread.
KW - Colorectal cancer
KW - Cortisol
KW - Endocrine system
KW - Immunodeficiency
KW - Lymphocytopenia
KW - Metastatic disease
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33748124451&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=33748124451&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
C2 - 16774174
AN - SCOPUS:33748124451
VL - 91
SP - 68
EP - 71
JO - International Surgery
JF - International Surgery
SN - 0020-8868
IS - 2
ER -