Knowra Corticosteroid Corticosteroid Corticosteroids are steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex and medicines modeled on them. They regulate metabolism, salt balance, inflammation, and immune activity.
Glucocorticoid receptor : A receptor that binds glucocorticoids and regulates gene expression and other cellular responses. It mediates many anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects of corticosteroids.
Prednisone : An oral glucocorticoid medicine converted in the body to the active drug prednisolone. It is widely used to treat systemic inflammation and immune-mediated disease.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug : A medicine that reduces pain, fever, or inflammation without being a steroid. NSAIDs reduce inflammation through different pathways and generally do not suppress immunity as broadly.
Immunosuppression : Reduced activity of the immune system, whether caused by disease, treatment, or another factor. This desired effect also raises susceptibility to some infections during corticosteroid treatment.
Mineralocorticoid receptor : A receptor activated mainly by aldosterone that helps regulate sodium, potassium, and water balance. It mediates corticosteroid effects on kidney salt handling and blood pressure.
Dexamethasone : A potent, long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid with little mineralocorticoid activity. Its potency and duration suit selected severe inflammatory conditions and other indications.
Anabolic steroid : A steroid compound that promotes androgen-like effects, including increased muscle and bone growth. Despite the shared word steroid, anabolic steroids are not corticosteroid medicines.
Adrenal suppression : Reduced adrenal hormone production after prolonged external glucocorticoid exposure suppresses normal hormonal signaling. Long-term treatment can make abrupt dose reduction unsafe by limiting natural cortisol production.
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis : A hormone-signaling system linking the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. It controls the body's production of cortisol, a natural glucocorticoid.
Inhaled corticosteroid : A corticosteroid delivered by inhalation to reduce airway inflammation, especially in asthma. Local delivery can control airway inflammation while limiting systemic exposure.
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