|
Synthesis
of glucocorticoids in yeast is a worthwhile endeavor because these
compounds are used for a wide range of theraputic purposes. Below
is a description of how glucocorticoids work in humans and how
they are used to treat disease.
|
|
Glucocorticoid
Physiology
- Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid
hormones produced in the adrenal cortex.
- Glucocorticoid production in the adrenals
is stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH),
which is made by the pituitary gland.
|
 |
Figure 2A: ACTH secreted by the pituitary gland travels
to the adrenal cortex and stimulates hydrocortisone
synthesis.
|
Glucocorticoids
Regulate Metabolism
Glucocorticoids get their name from their
effect of raising blood sugar (glucose). This is done by stimulating
gluconeogesis (glucose synthesis) in the liver. Hydrocortisone
is the most abundant glucocorticoid in the body.
Glucocorticoids
Supress Inflammation
Hydrocortisone and other glucocorticoids
have strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant
effects on the body. For this reason, they are used
to treat the following conditions:
- Reduction of inflammation in rheumatoid
arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases
- Relief of asthma symptoms
- Prevent rejection of transplanted
organs
|
 |
Figure 2B: Inhaled glucocorticoids are an effective treatment
for reliving symptoms of asthma.
|
Glucocorticoids
Induce Gene Expression
The mechanism of glucocorticoid action
is as follows:
- Glucocorticoids pass through the
plasma membrane (they are hydrophobic) and get inside
the cell.
- Glucocorticoid binds glucocorticoid
receptor in the cytosol.
- Glucocorticoid-GC Receptor complex
enters the nucleus and induces transcription of
specific genes.
- Gene products regulate inflammation.
|
 |
| Figure 2C: Glucocorticoids regulate
inflammation by activating transcription in the nucleus. |
|