Dr. Chrousos concurred that what is now known about the physiology and molecular biology of glucocorticoid signaling suggests that these kinds of targeted compounds will, indeed, be developed. There are some molecules being studied preclinically, he reported. “I’m sure that eventually we will have synthetic steroids that will be specific for specific conditions. They are going to be here in a few years.” Until then, the glucocorticoid signaling system will continue to reveal its complexities.
Gretchen Henkel is a freelance journalist based in California.
ad goes here:advert-1
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE
References
- Chrousos GP, Kino T. Glucocorticoid signaling in the cell. Expanding clinical implications to complex human behavioral and somatic disorders. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009;1179:153-166.
- Charmandari E, Kino T. Chrousos syndrome: A seminal report, a phylogenetic enigma and the clinical implications of glucocorticoid signalling changes. Eur J Clin Invest. 2010;40:932-942.
- Chrousos GP. Stress and sex versus immunity and inflammation. Sci Signal. 2010;3:pe36.
- Meduri GU, Muthiah MP, Carratu P, Eltorky M, Chrousos GP. Nuclear factor-kappaB- and glucocorticoid receptor alpha- mediated mechanisms in the regulation of systemic and pulmonary inflammation during sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Neuroimmunomodulation. 2005;12:321-338.
- Chrousos GP. Stress and disorders of the stress system. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2009;5:374-381.