title: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, hormones, and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.
abstract: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) results in raised intracranial pressure (ICP) leading to papilledema, visual dysfunction, and headaches. Obese females of reproductive age are predominantly affected, but the underlying pathological mechanisms behind IIH remain unknown. This review provides an overview of pathogenic factors that could result in IIH with particular focus on hormones and the impact of obesity, including its role in neuroendocrine signaling and driving inflammation. Despite occurring almost exclusively in obese women, there have been a few studies evaluating the mechanisms by which hormones and adipokines exert their effects on ICP regulation in IIH. Research involving 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, a modulator of glucocorticoids, suggests a potential role in IIH. Improved understanding of the complex interplay between adipose signaling factors such as adipokines, steroid hormones, and ICP regulation may be key to the understanding and future management of IIH.
authors.affiliation: Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Keira A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Markey
authors.affiliation: Danish Headache Center, Clinic of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Uldall
authors.affiliation: Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Botfield
authors.affiliation: Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Liam D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Cato
authors.affiliation: Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Mohammed A L
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Miah
authors.affiliation: Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Ghaniah
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hassan-Smith
authors.affiliation: Danish Headache Center, Clinic of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark.
authors.forename: Rigmor H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.affiliation: Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.affiliation: Neurometabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Alexandra J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Sinclair
keywords: 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; leptin; obesity; steroid and adipokines