Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
You might also read
Related Articles
Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.
Severe Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis in Pregnancy: A Dreaded Combination.
The role of body mass index or metabolic syndrome components causing depression in women: An observation from weight reduction clinical trial.
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Exploring the Regulation of Lipid Droplet Catabolism through Lipophagy
Published on: January 31, 2025
Drug-Induced Atypical Lipodystrophy.
Priyadarshini Rajakumar1, Shriraam Mahadevan1, Adlyne Reena Asirvatham1
1Department of Endocrinology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai 600116, Tamilnadu, India.
This case study details a patient with abnormal fat accumulation due to prolonged corticosteroid and anabolic steroid use. The combined steroids presented atypical symptoms, highlighting the need for medical awareness.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids and anabolic steroids can lead to significant adverse health effects.
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids are sometimes used concurrently with glucocorticoids for performance or appearance enhancement.
Observation:
- A patient presented with unusual fat deposition in the torso and upper arms after 7 years of combined steroid use.
- Despite extensive steroid exposure, the patient showed no signs of Cushingoid phenotype or metabolic disturbances.
- Bone density, cardiac function, and liver health remained normal, with no evidence of excess fat accumulation in these organs.
Findings:
- The concurrent use of anabolic steroids appeared to mitigate typical corticosteroid-induced side effects, such as muscle and bone loss.
- This protective effect mirrors observations in pediatric Cushing syndrome, where androgens and activity preserve muscle and bone mass.
- The patient was withdrawn from the drugs and managed with hydrocortisone replacement therapy, with surgical correction planned.
Implications:
- Medical providers must recognize the continued use of combined anabolic and glucocorticoid steroids for non-medical purposes like weight-building.
- Patients using these drug combinations may exhibit atypical clinical presentations, necessitating careful diagnostic evaluation.
- Awareness of these atypical presentations is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment strategies.

