Original scientific paper
Plasma Cortisol in Men – Relationship With Atherosclerosis of Retinal Arteries
E. Tedeschi-Reiner
Ž. Reiner
R. Iveković
K. Novak-Lauš
I. Pintarić
Abstract
The production of cortisol increases in acute stress but the effects of chronic stress on
plasma cortisol are still controversial. Stress on the other hand plays a role in coronary
artery disease (CAD) and carotid atherosclerosis. Since there is no data about plasma
cortisol and atherosclerosis of the retinal arteries, the purpose of this study was to explore
the relationship between plasma cortisol in 101 adult males with the degree of
their retinal vessels atherosclerosis. The results were compared with those in 47
matched apparently healthy men with no retinal vessels changes. The atherosclerotic
changes of retinal vessels were determined by direct ophthalmoscopy and graded (1–4)
according to Scheie. Morning plasma cortisol levels were determined by radioimmunoassay
using commercial kits. The results were compared by using chi-square test. No association
between morning plasma cortisol concentrations and retinal vessels atherosclerosis
could be found. The results of this study do not support a role for physiological
levels of plasma cortisol in the development of atherosclerosis, at least of the retinal arteries,
in men.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
28307
URI
Publication date:
16.12.2002.
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