The Role of 11Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Metabolic Disease and Therapeutic Potential of 11Beta-HSD1 Inhibitors

Title: The Role of 11Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Metabolic Disease and Therapeutic Potential of 11Beta-HSD1 Inhibitors

Volume: 15 Issue: 7

Author(s): Eddine Saiah

Affiliation:

Keywords: 11beta-HSD1, glucocorticoid, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity

Abstract: Glucocorticoids play an essential role in the regulation of multiple physiological processes, including energy metabolism, maintenance of blood pressure and stress responses, as well as cognitive functions. On a tissue-specific level, glucocorticoid action is controlled by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes. The type 1 enzyme (11beta-HSD1) is a NADP(H)-dependent bidirectional enzyme in vitro and reduces cortisone to active cortisol in vivo. 11beta-HSD1 is expressed in many tissues including the liver, adipose and skeletal muscles. Chronically elevated local glucocorticoid action as a result of increased 11beta-HSD1 activity has been associated with the metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications. Recent studies indicate that the inhibition of 11beta-HSD1 mitigates the adverse effects of excessive glucocorticoid levels on metabolic parameters and provides promising opportunities for the development of therapeutic interventions. This review discusses recently disclosed 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors and their potential for the treatment of metabolic disorders.

Cite this article as:

Saiah Eddine, The Role of 11Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Metabolic Disease and Therapeutic Potential of 11Beta-HSD1 Inhibitors, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2008; 15 (7) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986708783885264