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Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis at epithelial barriers
Truong San Phan1, Verena M Merk1, Thomas Brunner2
1Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
Genes and Immunity
|January 30, 2019
Summary
Epithelial barriers protect the body but can trigger inflammation when defective. Local glucocorticoid synthesis in these barriers may regulate inflammation and offer therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epithelial barriers are crucial for nutrient/gas exchange and pathogen defense.
- Defective barriers and immune over-response underlie inflammatory disorders (skin, lung, intestine).
- Glucocorticoids treat inflammation, and epithelia produce them locally, suggesting a regulatory role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis at epithelial barriers.
- To discuss the role of local glucocorticoids in inflammatory disease pathogenesis.
- To explore local glucocorticoid synthesis as a therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis.
- Analysis of the role of local glucocorticoids in epithelial barrier function.
- Discussion of therapeutic implications for inflammatory diseases.
Main Results:
- Epithelia of the intestine, lung, and skin synthesize endogenous glucocorticoids.
- Local glucocorticoid synthesis is implicated in regulating inflammatory responses at barrier sites.
- Dysregulation of this local synthesis may contribute to inflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis is a key component of epithelial barrier regulation.
- Targeting local glucocorticoid production presents a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases.
- Further research into epithelial glucocorticoid metabolism is warranted.
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