Figure 7. Stress, via its mediators, can lead to acute or chronic pathological conditions (such as metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis) in individuals with a genetically or constitutionally vulnerable background by interacting with various axes (such as thyroid and growth axis) and systems (such as reproductive, gastrointestinal and immune system). NE : norepinephrine, E: epinephrine, Testo: testosterone, E 2 : estradiol, GH: growth hormone, LH: luteinizing hormone, TSH: thyroid stimulating hormone, T3: triiodothyronine