What do glucocorticoids do?

Many people do not know what glucocorticoids are. In fact, it is a steroid hormone secreted by the zona fasciculata in the adrenal cortex. It can play a very good anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-shock effect, and has great clinical application value.

1. Anti-inflammatory effect: GCS has a rapid, powerful and non-specific anti-inflammatory effect. It is effective for various inflammations. In the early stages of inflammation, GCS inhibits capillary dilation, reduces exudation and edema, and inhibits the infiltration and phagocytosis of white blood cells, thereby alleviating inflammatory symptoms. In the later stages of inflammation, it inhibits the proliferation of capillaries and fibroblasts and delays the formation of granulation tissue. And reduce inflammatory sequelae such as scars and adhesions. However, it should be noted that while glucocorticoids inhibit inflammation and relieve symptoms, they also reduce the body's defense function. Sufficient and effective antibacterial drugs must be used at the same time to prevent the spread of inflammation and worsening of the original condition.

2. Anti-inflammatory mechanism: GCS diffuses into the cytoplasm and binds to GR-Hsp. At the same time, Hsp was isolated. The GCS and GR complex enters the cell nucleus, binds to the GRE of the target gene promoter sequence, increases the transcription of anti-inflammatory cytokine genes, and binds to nGRE. Inhibit the gene transcription of inflammatory factors, thereby producing anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Induce the synthesis of anti-inflammatory factors.

⑴ Induce the synthesis of lipocortin, inhibit PA2 activity and reduce the production of PGs and LTs.

⑵ Induce ACE synthesis, promote bradykinin degradation and increase the production of angiotensin II.

⑶ Induce the synthesis of inflammatory proteins. And inhibit the production of leukocyte inflammatory proteases.

⑷ Induce the synthesis of IL-10 and inhibit the secretion of IL-1, IL-2, IL-8, TNF and other inflammatory factors by Mφ.