Relationships between glucocorticoids and gonadal steroids in rheumatoid arthritis.
Gender and sex hormones are strongly related to the incidence and progression of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Although sex steroids have been shown to have direct effects on the immune system, their influence in vivo may be mediated via interactions with third party systems including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Such interactions are well demonstrated in experimental animals. In humans, there is increasing, although indirect, evidence that these interactions also occur. Possible interactions at the cell and gene level, with mutual antagonism or synergy between cortico- and gonadal steroids, open new exciting hypotheses that await clarification.
Faculdade de Medicina e Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. jdasilva@ci.uc.pt
José António P
JA
da Silva
D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004347:Drug Interactions; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D051381:Rats; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D016037:Single-Blind Method
D016207:Cytokines; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D011987:Receptors, Steroid