Dyslipidemia Induced by Stress

Abstract

1. Introduction The pioneering work of Hans Selye (1936) led to the use of the word stress in a biological context gaining popularity world-wide. Stress is as an organic response to stressors that can be aversive stimuli or unknown situations capable of compromising homeostasis. During the stress reaction, the sympathetic nervous system and axis are stimulated. Consequently, serum concentrations of classical stress hormones, namely catecholamines and glucocorticoids, are increased and act on cells and tissues inducing adaptive changes in order to protect the organism and allow its survival. In addition, the stress reaction can also modulate immune system activities and the secretion of other hormones (gonadotrophins, estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, angiotensins).