title: 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases: changing glucocorticoid action.
abstract: 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11beta-HSDs) catalyse the interconversion of active cortisol and inert cortisone. Two isozymes have been discovered, each with unique properties and powerful biological roles. 11beta-HSD2 potently inactivates cortisol, protecting key tissues. By contrast, 11beta-HSD1 regenerates cortisol, amplifying its actions in liver, fat and brain. Overexpression of this isozyme may contribute to the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Its inhibition is a potential therapeutic target for both metabolic and glucocorticoid-associated CNS disorders.
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology Unit, School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland, UK. J.Seckl@ed.ac.uk
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Seckl
mesh_terms: D043205:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D003348:Cortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D043205:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1; D043209:11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2; D003348:Cortisone; D006854:Hydrocortisone