Why glucocorticoids are able to reduce inflammation?

Question

What is anti-inflammatory action of these drugs?

Answer 1

Hi Dr,

I would recommend that you take a look at the Wikipedia article at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucocorticoid

That may help.

Although you didn't ask, it is very worth while to point out that nobody who is taking these drugs should suddenly stop taking them without the advice of a doctor. Indiscriminate cessation may lead to untoward side effects, up to and including DEATH!

James

Answer 2

Glucocorticoids can be used to treat adrenocortical insufficiencies such as Addison’s disease as well as be used as anti-inflammatories and immune disorders such as cancers, inflammatory bowel diseases, dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune and allergic disorders. They are also used to promote lung maturity in premature babies and to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. They inhibit inflammation by reducing the size of the lymph nodes and spleen, they inhibit helper T-cells (thereby reducing the immune response), inhibit protein synthesis, they reduce macrophage and neutrophil responsiveness (affects phagocytosis), stabilise mast cell activity and impair fibroblasts (affecting the healing process).

Answer 3

I believe they act by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa beta (NFkB). NFkB is a nuclear transcription factor that promotes the gene expression of dozens of genes involved in the inflammatory process. NFkB appears to be the primary regulator of the inflammatory process.