title: The riddle of the sphinx redux.
abstract: Understanding the mechanisms of glucocorticoid-mediated inhibition of inflammation has been challenging. This is particularly true with regard to the development of drugs that mimic the anti-inflammatory benefits of steroids while avoiding the untoward metabolic effects. Förster et al. report that the inhibition of stress-induced mesangial-cell apoptosis by dexamethasone is mediated by sphingosine-1-phosphate. These findings identify alternative pathways whereby the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of glucocorticoids can be probed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. jshayman@umich.edu
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Shayman
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008246:Lysophospholipids; D013110:Sphingosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D013256:Steroids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008246:Lysophospholipids; D013256:Steroids; C060506:sphingosine 1-phosphate; D003907:Dexamethasone; D013110:Sphingosine