Endocrine Abstracts

Glucocorticoids (GC) influence immune responses, and exogenous GC are widely used clinically for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. Endogenous GC action is modulated by pre-receptor GC metabolising enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11b-HSD). 11b-HSD1 predominantly reactivates GCs, amplifying their action. Recent work has shown that 11b-HSD1 modulates immune and inflammatory response. However how innate immune system affect GC metabolism within cells remains la...

Retinoic-acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is a cytosolic receptor that sense RNA viruses, such as influenza, producing proinflammatory cytokines and type 1 interferons. In severe influenza infection, inappropriate immune response can allow influenza virus to proliferate, triggering hypercytokinemia that leads to tissue damage and potentially death of the host. Glucocorticoid hormones (GC) are clinically used to suppress hypercytokinemia. However, the use of GC is controversial du...