Lecture on Glucocorticoids

Introduction

• Presenter: Manoj Surya
• Focus: Glucocorticoids, a steroid hormone
• Purpose: Relieve pain, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties

Natural and Synthetic Glucocorticoids

• Natural Production: Produced by adrenal glands, known as cortisol
• Synthetic Forms:
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Prednisone
  • Use in sports for quick pain relief
• Forms of Administration: Injection or oral intake

Transport and Mechanism

• Transport: Lipid-soluble, transported by transcortin (carrier protein)
• Mechanism of Action:
  • Enter cells and bind to glucocorticoid receptors
  • Up-regulate or down-regulate gene expression

Effects on Inflammation

• Normal Inflammatory Response:
  • Pain, inflammation, infection activate Nucleofactor Kappa B
  • Leads to mRNA production and inflammatory cytokines
• Role of Glucocorticoids:
  • Inhibit Nucleofactor Kappa B, reducing cytokines and inflammation

Inhibition of Inflammatory Mediators

• Process:
  • Phospholipid membrane conversion to arachidonic acid by phospholipase A2
  • Arachidonic acid converted to prostaglandins, leukotrienes, or theraboxenes (inflammatory mediators)
• Glucocorticoids Action:
  • Inhibit phospholipase A2 and COX enzyme
  • Suppress formation of inflammatory mediators

Therapeutic Uses

• Anti-inflammatory Agent
• Replacement Therapy: For low glucocorticoid production (e.g., Addison's disease)

Side Effects and Risks

• Immunosuppression:
  • Decreased white blood cell production
  • Increased infection risk
• Cushing's Syndrome:
  • From excessive glucocorticoid use
  • Symptoms: Weight gain, obesity, fluid retention
  • Sometimes acts like mineralocorticoids (e.g., aldosterone)
• Bone Health:
  • Inhibit osteoblasts, promote osteoclasts
  • Risk of osteoporosis

Conclusion

• Overview of glucocorticoids effects on the body
• Emphasis on both beneficial and adverse effects