Glucocorticoids and Metabolic Disorders

Dear colleagues,

Glucocorticoids, besides having well-known anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, also play a significant role in the control of metabolism and energy homeostasis.

Their production by the adrenal cortex under control of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis occurs in parallel to the tissue-specific (e.g., liver and adipose tissue) mediated modulation of active glucocorticoid levels. The endoplasmic reticulum enzymes 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 1 and 2 regulate the active cortisol concentration at the pre-receptorial level, thus allowing fine-tuning of the glucocorticoid action in specific anatomic locations. These steroid hormones control the physiological equilibrium of metabolic functions, and an imbalance in the glucocorticoid–glucocorticoid receptor signaling can easily lead to severe alterations of proper metabolic control, affecting carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Metabolic disturbances involving glucocorticoids have been described in hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity and hypertension, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases; indeed, these clustered conditions define the metabolic syndrome.

This Special Issue “Glucocorticoids and Metabolic Disorders” calls for research papers and review articles focusing on different aspects of the connection between glucocorticoids and metabolism in order to provide a clear and up-to-date picture of the role of these steroid hormones in the pathogenesis of metabolic disturbances.

Dr. Paola Marcolongo
Guest Editor

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