Cortisone changes the brain – Heilpraxis

How do glucocorticoids affect the brain?

if people glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisone), this can lead to changes in the structure and size of the brain. In addition, affected people also suffer more frequently from depressive symptoms and fatigue.

In a new study by experts from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands it was examined whether systemic and inhalative intake of glucocorticoids was associated with changes in the volume of the gray matter and the microstructure of the white substance connected in the brain. The results were published in the journal “BMJ Open“ published.

Data analyzed were from UK Biobank

As part of the current research work, data from the UK Biobank evaluated, which came from people between the ages of 40 and 69 years. The UK Biobank is a prospective population-based cohort study of adult individuals recruited in the UK between 2006 and 2010.

The current study excluded people who had a history of neurological, psychiatric, or endocrine disorders, or who reported a history of psychotropic drug use.

Overall, the current study included 222 peopleWhich systemic glucocorticoids to use, 557 people With inhaled glucocorticoid use and 24,106 participants as a control group, the team reports.

Changes examined using MRI brain scans

By the use of MRI brain scans of the participants who received systemic or inhaled steroids and the subsequent comparison with people from the control group, the team tried possible changes in the brain to identify.

In addition, so-called linear regression analyzes were used to remove potential confounding factors from the data. The secondary findings of the investigation dealt with, among other things, the cognitive functions of the participants and additionally with performing emotional symptomsaccording to the researchers.

Impaired white matter

The study showed that both the systemic and the inhalative intake of glucocorticoids with a decreased white matter integrity compared to people in the control group, the team reports. The effect is at one systemic application been stronger.

In other words, if the participants received glucocorticoids systemically (via tablets or injections) or inhaled them, that was it less intact white matter in the brain compared to people in the control group who did not use any glucocorticoids.

Effects on the gray matter in the brain

It was also shown that systemic intake with a larger volume of gray matter in the caudate and an inhalation application with a lower gray matter volume in the amygdala compared to the control group, the researchers explain.

The caudate and amygdala are gray matter structures in the brain involved in cognitive and emotional processing.

Depressive symptoms and fatigue caused by glucocorticoids

In further evaluations it became clear that the systemic application of glucocorticoids also had poorer results cognitive tests was connected.

Additionally, these individuals reported more depressive symptoms, disinterest, tension/restlessness, and fatigue/lethargy compared to the control group, according to the research team. Participants who inhaled glucocorticoids, however, were only affected by more fatigue/lethargy.

Glucocorticoids change the brain

In conclusion, both systemic and inhaled glucocorticoid use are associated with decreased white matter integrity and limited changes in gray matter volume, the team reports.

According to the researchers, this connection could neuropsychiatric side effects of glucocorticoid medication contribute, which occur particularly with long-term use. (as)