Definition

The adrenal cortex produces and secretes steroid hormones known as glucocorticoids due to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation. A class of corticosteroids, or glucocorticoids (or glucocorticosteroids), are steroid hormones—glucocorticoids or corticosteroids, which is attached to the glucocorticoid receptor, and present in every vertebrate animal cell.

Meaning

Many hormones, known as corticoids, are secreted by the adrenal cortex. The corticoids that are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates are glucocorticoids. The primary glucocorticoid in the human body is cortisol. Mineralocorticoids are a type of steroid that controls the electrolyte and water balance in the body. The primary mineralocorticoid in the human body is aldosterone.

Glucocorticoids enhance gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, and proteolysis while inhibiting the uptake and use of amino acids by cells. The cardiovascular system and the kidneys are maintained by cortisol. Glucocorticoids, in particular cortisol, cause anti-inflammatory effects and reduce immunological activity. RBC production is induced by cortisol.

Because glucocorticoids serve various purposes, synthetic glucocorticoids have been created to help treat a wide range of medical disorders.

Types

An example of a steroid is a glucocorticoid. Depending on the particular health issue, one may require a specific type.

Some of the most frequent ones are:

A cortisone injection helps reduce joint inflammation.
Dexamethasone and prednisone are medications that treat a wide range of ailments, including allergies, asthma, arthritis, and visual issues.
Triamcinolone lotion is used to treat skin problems.
Budesonide medication is used to treat the autoimmune conditions of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which damage the digestive system.

Functions

The two primary types of glucocorticoid effects are metabolic and immunological. Glucocorticoids also contribute significantly to embryonic development and body fluid regulation.

Metabolic Functions

Early studies that showed these hormones were involved in glucose metabolism led to the term “glucocorticoid”. When a person is fasting, cortisol promotes various mechanisms that work together to raise and maintain normal blood glucose levels.

Hyperadrenocorticism or drug administration-induced elevated levels of glucocorticoids have an impact on a variety of physiological systems. Examples include:

Inhibition of calcium absorption.
A delay in the healing of wounds.
A weakness of the muscles.
A higher risk of infection.

Immunological Functions

By interacting with the glucocorticoid receptor, glucocorticoids carry out their function.

Enhance the production of anti-inflammatory proteins.
Reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins.

T-lymphocyte development and homeostasis have been demonstrated to be influenced by glucocorticoids.

Therapeutic Usage

The effectiveness of synthetic glucocorticoids can exceed that of naturally occurring steroids. They are used to treat various diseases.

Autoimmune Diseases

When the body unintentionally attacks itself due to autoimmune diseases, there can be significant inflammation and subsequent damage. Examples of autoimmune illnesses include inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis.

Glucocorticoids can lower immune cell activity. This reduces the internal damage these diseases cause. Additionally, glucocorticoids reduce autoimmune-related inflammation. This can relieve itching, cramping, swelling, and pain.

Asthma and Allergies

Individuals can develop asthma and allergies when the immune system reacts to generally harmless compounds. Symptoms include itchiness, wet and itchy eyes, dizziness, sneezing, clogged or leaky nose, redness or rashes, breathing difficulties, and lips, face, or throat swelling. Substances like pollen or peanuts can trigger an aggressive inflammatory response under these circumstances.

This response can be treated with glucocorticoids since they reduce immune cell activity and reduce inflammation.

Read Also: Allergies and Autoimmunity

Insufficient Adrenal

The inability of the human body to produce enough cortisol is caused by adrenal insufficiency. This might result from surgery to remove the adrenal glands or a disorder like Addison’s disease. When our body can no longer produce cortisol, glucocorticoids might be administered to replace it.

Heart Failure

By improving the body’s capacity to react to specific diuretics, glucocorticoids used for short periods (under seven days) can help treat heart failure. This is not a regular use, though.

Cancer

In cancer treatment, glucocorticoids can be employed to reduce some adverse effects of chemotherapy. They could also be utilised to eradicate specific cancerous cells in some malignancies, such as chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

Read Also: Blood Cancer

Skin Problems

Glucocorticoids are used to treat skin problems like eczema and poison ivy. These include oral medications and over-the-counter and prescribed topical lotions that we apply to the skin.

Surgery

Glucocorticoids may be administered during critical neurosurgeries. They lessen tissue inflammation in sensitive areas. They are also given immediately following an organ transplant to prevent the rejection of donor organs by the immune system.

Adverse Effects

Since most glucocorticoid medications function non-selectively, they may eventually harm a variety of normal metabolic activities. Recent research has concentrated heavily on developing selectively acting glucocorticoid medications to prevent this. Some adverse effects are:

Raise blood sugar levels, which may lead to temporary and long-term diabetes.
Raise triglycerides and cholesterol levels, which can accelerate osteoporosis by decreasing the body’s capacity to absorb calcium.
The likelihood of developing gastritis and ulcers.
The slowing down of inflammation-dependent wound healing.
Suppression of the immune system increases the vulnerability to infections.

Muscle tissue loss may result from long-term glucocorticoid usage. Additionally, it may cause Cushing’s syndrome, which may result in:

An extra layer of fat between your shoulders
Weight gain
Stretch marks in pink
Round face
Weak bones
High blood pressure
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Diabetes
Thin skin
Slow healing
Acne
Reduced libido
Depression
Fatigue

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effects of glucocorticoids on the human body?

The adrenal gland produces and secretes the steroid hormones glucocorticoids, derived from cholesterol. They reduce inflammation in tissues and regulate the metabolism of the liver, bone, muscle, and fat. Additionally, glucocorticoids influence the brain’s vascular tone, mood, behaviour, and sleep-wakefulness cycles.

What is the difference between glucocorticoids and corticosteroids?

Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids are the two forms of corticosteroids, which are steroid hormones synthesised in the adrenal cortex. Glucocorticoids are steroids that naturally occur in the body, and glucocorticoid medicines are synthetic versions of these steroids. They serve numerous purposes. One is to stop inflammation by entering cells and inhibiting the proteins that continue to induce inflammation.

Which drugs are regarded as glucocorticoids?

Prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and other synthetic glucocorticoids are frequently used. They modify the cortisone (hydrocortisone) backbone’s chemical structure to increase their anti-inflammatory actions.

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