review · Metabolic Brain Disease
Aggressive behaviour is regulated by complex interactions between the primary stress response system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the reproductive hormone system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Activation of the stress axis releases glucocorticoids such as cortisol, and chronic stress dysregulates these hormone levels to promote aggression. In parallel, the reproductive axis influences behaviour through testosterone, which acts on androgen receptors within brain circuits and positively associates with aggressive tendencies. These two hormonal systems do not operate in isolation; mutual feedback and molecular crosstalk allow stress to alter reproductive functions and amplify aggression. Bridging animal models and human clinical studies provides insights into the molecular, cellular, and neural circuits controlling these responses, establishing a physiological basis for designing targeted interventions to treat aggression-related disorders.
Aggression-related disorders present serious social and clinical challenges. By revealing how chronic stress and reproductive hormones jointly shape brain circuitry, this research helps explain how environmental pressures translate into biological aggression. Clarifying the interplay between cortisol and testosterone offers a clearer roadmap for clinicians and scientists working to understand and treat disruptive behavioural conditions.
The findings outline biological targets that could eventually support targeted pharmaceutical or clinical interventions for aggression-related disorders. The primary users would be translational researchers and drug discovery teams focusing on neuroendocrine pathways. Because the findings synthesise basic physiological mechanisms, animal studies, and initial human data, practical applications remain at an early, pre-clinical stage of development.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and aggression. It provides a detailed overview of the physiology and functioning of these axes, as well as the implications for aggressive behavior. The HPA axis, responsible for the stress response, is activated in response to various stressors and can influence aggressive behavior. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, play a crucial role in stress-induced activation of the HPA axis and have been implicated in aggressive tendencies. Chronic stress can dysregulate the HPA axis, leading to alterations in cortisol levels and potentially contributing to aggressive behavior. The HPG axis, particularly the androgen hormone testosterone, is also closely linked to aggression. Animal and human studies have consistently shown a positive association between testosterone levels and aggression. The androgen receptors in the brain's neural circuitry play a critical role in modulating aggressive behavior. Interactions between the HPA and HPG axes further contribute to the regulation of aggression. Feedback mechanisms and crosstalk between these axes provide a complex system for the modulation of both stress and reproductive functions, which can impact aggressive behavior. Additionally,the influence of stress on reproductive functions, particularly the role of androgens in stress-induced aggression, adds further complexity to this relationship. The review also discusses the future directions and implications for clinical interventions. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying aggression requires integrating molecular, cellular, and circuit-level approaches. Translational perspectives, including animal models and human studies, can bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications. Finally, therapeutic strategies for aggression-related disorders are explored, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions based on a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the HPA and HPG axes. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying aggression, with a specific focus on the interplay between the HPA and HPG axes. By elucidating the complex interactions between stress, hormones, and aggressive behavior, this research paves the way for future investigations and potential therapeutic interventions for aggression-related disorders.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1007/s11011-024-01393-w
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
