Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
06:35
An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
Glucocorticoid sensitivity in Behçet's disease.
R A M Quax1, J A M van Laar, R van Heerebeek
1Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center 's-Gravendijkwal 2303015 CE, Rotterdam The Netherlands.
Endocrine Connections
|June 20, 2013
Summary
Glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity is reduced in Behçet's disease (BD), not linked to gene variations but potentially due to higher GR-β expression, impacting disease development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity varies, influencing susceptibility to inflammatory disorders.
- Behçet's disease (BD) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate GC sensitivity in BD patients.
- To analyze the association of GC receptor (GR) gene polymorphisms with BD.
- To measure in vitro cellular GC sensitivity in BD.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of four functional GR gene polymorphisms in BD patients and controls.
- In vitro assessment of cellular GC sensitivity using bioassays and dexamethasone-binding.
- Measurement of GR splice variants (GR-α and GR-β) mRNA expression.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in GR gene polymorphism distribution between BD patients and controls.
- Decreased in vitro cellular GC sensitivity observed in BD patients.
- Higher GR number and lower GR-α/GR-β mRNA ratio in BD patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Conclusions:
- GR gene polymorphisms are not associated with BD susceptibility.
- Reduced in vitro GC sensitivity in BD may involve increased expression of the GR-β splice variant.
- This diminished GC sensitivity could play a role in BD pathophysiology.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...