Glucocorticoids and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease

Glucocorticoids are hormones secreted by the adrenal glands and are controlled by the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis in response to stress. Excess secretion of glucocorticoids can have a significant effect on the development of Parkinson’s disease and have a major impact on its pathophysiology by directing mitochondrial function. Since Parkinson’s disease is linked to a multitude of environmental factors including physiological and psychological stress and currently has no definitive cure, understanding relevant biochemical pathways involving glucocorticoids could offer insight into novel approaches or interventions for therapeutics. This paper will investigate the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids play a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease through mitochondrial dysfunction.