What is the Origin of Inflammation Endocrine Disruption?

This term is a clinical descriptor combining the physiological process of "inflammation" with the concept of "endocrine disruption," which is a recognized field of study focusing on agents that interfere with hormone action. It specifically highlights the body's sustained immune response as the primary disruptive agent.

What is the Mechanism of Inflammation Endocrine Disruption?

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, can inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, suppressing the release of signaling hormones like TSH and GnRH. These molecules also directly impair insulin receptor signaling in peripheral tissues, driving cellular insulin resistance. Furthermore, chronic inflammation can accelerate the peripheral conversion or clearance of steroid hormones, fundamentally altering the hormonal milieu and metabolic function across multiple systems.

Inflammation Endocrine Disruption ∞ Area

Inflammation Endocrine Disruption

Meaning

A pathological state where chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation interferes with the synthesis, metabolism, transport, or receptor action of hormones, leading to a cascade of endocrine imbalances. Inflammatory cytokines can directly impair the function of endocrine glands, alter hormone receptor sensitivity, and disrupt central regulatory feedback loops in the brain. This disruption is a common underlying factor in prevalent conditions like insulin resistance, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, and thyroid disorders.