Glucocorticoids in Health and Disease with Special Reference to Glucocorticoid Receptor Signalling Pathways and Molecular Networking

Abstract

Glucocorticoids have a diverse role in physiological and pathological conditions, making them a class of potent drugs in clinical use ranging from organ transplantation, arthritis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) to oncological problems. The use of glucocorticoids in clinical practices, however, is associated with many side effects and steroid resistance in certain diseases. Understanding the underlying mechanism of glucocorticoid action is an ultimate concern in overcoming these complications. Several studies have pointed the role of glucocorticoid receptor interaction with many other signalling pathways in these situations. Designing of drugs that could modulate these interactions, while maintaining glucocorticoid receptor molecular network in a homeostatic balance, is a challenge in glucocorticoids pharmacology. Some prospective molecules like theophylline and compound A, are reported to have such effect.