Advanced Research on the Adrenal Gland and Hormones

Dear Colleagues,

In the physiological and pathophysiological activities of the adrenal glands, the sophisticated interaction of hormones, secreted through endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine pathways, plays a crucial role. Specifically, the intricate regulation of adrenal activity results in the secretion of glucocorticosteroid hormones. These hormones induce the release of neuropeptide Y (NPY) by hypothalamic neurons while simultaneously inhibiting the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH).

Beyond traditional adrenocortical secretagogues like angiotensin 2 and corticotropin, recent findings reveal a diverse array of biologically active peptides functioning as hormones. These peptides impact the growth, morphogenesis, and function of the adrenal gland. For instance, adropin, a peptide, has demonstrated the intriguing ability to stimulate proliferation while inhibiting adrenocortical steroidogenesis in human adrenal carcinoma cell cultures and cell lines through GPR19 receptor activation. Another peptide, nesfatin, expressed in the human adrenal gland, exhibits a dual capacity to impede proliferation and promote apoptosis. This effect is potentially mediated by genes such as Bax, BCL-XL, BCL-2, and signaling cascades involving ERK1/2, p38, and JNK1/2.

Adropin and nesfatin exemplify only a fraction of the biologically active peptides influencing adrenal gland functions. This group also includes well-studied hormones associated with feeding behavior, such as orexin, leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and classic examples like IGF2, a mitogenic peptide hormone implicated in adrenocortical carcinoma with prognostic significance.

Recognizing the multifaceted roles of bioactive hormones in the physiological and pathophysiological functions of the adrenal gland, we are pleased to announce a Special Issue of IJMS entitled ‘Advanced Research on the Adrenal Gland and Hormones’. This Special Issue aims to offer a comprehensive view by presenting high-quality review papers and original research focusing on the effects of hormones on adrenal gland functions. We encourage the submission of papers that collectively contribute to a better understanding of these intriguing interactions.

Prof. Dr. Marcin Ruciński
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• bioactive peptides
• adrenal gland
• adrenocortical carcinoma
• HPA axis
• G protein-coupled receptor
• hormones
• steroidogenesis