Glucocorticoids .pdf

Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoids  Glucocorticoids Glucocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids that are produced by the adrenal cortex, a part of the adrenal gland. They are involved in various physiological processes, including: 1. Metabolism: Regulate gluco...

Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoids  Glucocorticoids Glucocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids that are produced by the adrenal cortex, a part of the adrenal gland. They are involved in various physiological processes, including: 1. Metabolism: Regulate glucose, fat, and protein metabolism. 2. Inflammation: Reduce inflammation and swelling. 3. Immune response: Suppress the immune system. 4. Stress response: Help the body respond to stress. Examples of glucocorticoids include: 1. Cortisol (hydrocortisone) 2. Prednisone 3. Prednisolone 4. Dexamethasone 5. Triamcinolone Therapeutic Use : 1. Allergies 2. Asthma 3. Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) 4. Skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) 5. Inflammatory bowel disease 6. Transplant rejection Synthetic glucocorticoids are available in various forms, including oral tablets, injectables, topical creams, and inhaled forms (e.g., inhalers). Mechanism of Action : Glucocorticoids (GCs) exert their effects by binding to specific receptors in cells, triggering a cascade of molecular events that ultimately lead to changes in gene expression and cellular behavior. Here's a simplified overview of their mechanism of action: Mechanism of Action : 1. Binding to glucocorticoid receptors : GCs bind to glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the cytoplasm of cells. 2. Activation of GRs : The bound GC-GR complex undergoes a conformational change, activating the receptor. 3. Translocation to nucleus : The activated GR complex translocates to the nucleus. 4. Binding to DNA : The GR complex binds to specific DNA sequences called glucocorticoid response elements (GREs). 5. Regulation of gene expression : The bound GR complex either: - Stimulates transcription of anti-inflammatory genes - Inhibits transcription of pro-inflammatory genes 6. Non-genomic effects : GCs also exert rapid, non-genomic effects by: - Interacting with membrane-bound receptors (e.g., G protein-coupled receptors) - Modulating signaling pathways. Excretion of corticosteroids happens through: 1. Kidneys : The primary route of excretion, where corticosteroids are filtered out of the blood and excreted in the urine. 2. Liver : Corticosteroids are metabolized in the liver, and their metabolites are excreted in the bile. 3. Feces : A small amount of corticosteroids is excreted in the feces. 4. Sweat : Tiny amounts of corticosteroids can be excreted through sweat. 5. Breast milk : Corticosteroids can be excreted in breast milk, although the amounts are typically small.