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Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
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Tissue-specific actions of glucocorticoids on apoptosis: a double-edged sword

Amanda L Gruver-Yates1, John A Cidlowski2

  • 1Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. gruveral@niehs.nih.gov.

Cells
|April 9, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoids, used for inflammation, can trigger cell death (apoptosis) across many body systems. Some cells resist this, offering protection, with implications for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids are commonly prescribed for inflammatory conditions due to their metabolic and immunosuppressive properties.
  • Beyond immunosuppression, glucocorticoids are recognized as potent inducers of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cell types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review established mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis.
  • To outline the apoptotic response in different body systems following glucocorticoid exposure.
  • To discuss the dual role of glucocorticoids in cancer cell apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of established mechanisms.
  • Analysis of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic responses across various cell types and organ systems.
  • Examination of glucocorticoid effects in cancer contexts.

Main Results:

  • Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis impacts multiple systems: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, and immune.
  • Certain cell types exhibit cytoprotective anti-apoptotic responses to glucocorticoids.
  • Glucocorticoids demonstrate both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic effects in cancer cells.

Conclusions:

  • Glucocorticoids induce apoptosis across diverse physiological systems, with varied cellular responses.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing side effects and exploring therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology.

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