Cortisol as a Mediator of Oxidative Stress in Human Body Cells

Cortisol and oxidative stress are key components in the pathophysiology of numerous chronic diseases. Cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," is released by the adrenal gland in response to stressors, regulating metabolism, immune response, and hemodynamic balance. However, its overproduction in chronic stress situations can lead to detrimental effects, including an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are responsible for oxidative stress. This review article explores the relationship between cortisol, oxidative stress, and their impact on health, with an emphasis on conditions such as work- related stress, cellular aging, and chronic diseases. Additionally, intervention strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of this physiopathological interplay are analyzed. The following work was carried out based on theoretical methods, where the objective of the research or phenomenon under study is divided into sections to obtain a more concrete perspective. In this case, oxidative stress caused by elevated cortisol levels serves as a determinant for structuring this review article. The bibliographic databases consulted were PubMed and the Google Scholar search engine. The objective of this article is to compile descriptive information from various bibliographic sources to highlight the relationship between elevated cortisol levels, oxidative stress, and, consequently, aging and work-related stress.