Steroids in Human Disease and Health

Dear Colleagues,

Steroids regulate metabolism, immune response, and inflammation, playing a key role in health and disease. Dysregulation can contribute to conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Corticosteroids, like cortisol, are widely used for autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, but prolonged use may lead to osteoporosis or adrenal insufficiency. Mineralocorticoids, like aldosterone, influence hypertension, heart failure, and kidney disease; excessive aldosterone is associated with primary aldosteronism, while deficiency leads to electrolyte imbalances. Immunoprotective androstanes modulate immune responses, aiding in the management of multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Anabolic steroids, derived from testosterone, are used to treat muscle-wasting conditions but may lead to cardiac hypertrophy or mood disorders when misused. Neuroactive steroids, including allopregnanolone and pregnenolone, influence brain function and mood, holding therapeutic potential in depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Sex steroids, such as estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone, are crucial for reproductive health. Pregnancy steroids influence the stability of gestation, uterine growth, and fetal development.

This Special Issue, “Steroids in Human Disease and Health”, welcomes research on steroid functions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications, including high-throughput steroidomic approaches using advanced analytical platforms.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

• Regulatory Roles of Steroids: Metabolic, Immune, and Inflammatory Pathways
• Evaluating Corticosteroids and Androstanes in Autoimmune Disorders: Therapeutic Potential and Risks
• Investigation of Neuroactive Steroids for Their Potential in Treating Depression, Anxiety, and Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Exploring Mineralocorticoids in Cardiovascular and Renal Disorders: Hypertension, Heart Failure, and Aldosteronism
• Exploring Steroid Dysregulation in Endocrine Disorders: Cushing’s Syndrome, Addison’s Disease, and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
• Exploring Sex Steroids: Their Influence on Reproductive Health, Fetal Development, and Pregnancy
• The Impact of Anabolic Steroids on Heart Health and Mental Well-being
• High-Throughput Steroidomics: Innovations for Improved Accuracy and Clinical Utility

Dr. Martin Hill
Guest Editor

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