Hypothalamus

A small region of the brain below the thalamus, responsible for many important functions in the human body. It plays a key role in regulating appetite, thirst, body temperature, sleep, mood, libido and circadian rhythm.

The hypothalamus is also closely linked to the pituitary gland, as it produces hormones that control the secretion of various pituitary hormones. For example, the hypothalamus produces gonadotropin, which stimulates the secretion of pituitary sex hormones, and somatotropin, which stimulates the secretion of growth hormone.

The hypothalamus is also involved in the stress response, as it produces corticotropin-releasing hormone, which stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. It is also responsible for the production of certain hormones that regulate water balance, such as ADH (antidiuretic hormone).

There are several biomarkers associated with the hypothalamus, which can help diagnose or monitor diseases involving this region of the brain.

One of the most studied biomarkers of the hypothalamus is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is produced by the hypothalamus and regulates the secretion of sex hormones from the pituitary gland. Abnormal levels of GnRH may indicate a disease of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, such as hypogonadism.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also produced by the hypothalamus, can also be used as a biomarker. Abnormal levels of ADH may indicate hypothalamic dysfunction or kidney disease.

Other biomarkers include hypothalamic peptides such as neuromedin U and neurotensin, and growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Abnormal levels of these biomarkers may indicate disorders such as obesity, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders.