Related Experiment Videos
Interference with the cortisol axis by the microtubule antagonist, CPH82
1Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|September 1, 1993
Summary
CPH82, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suppresses natural cortisol production. Paradoxically, patients exhibit Cushing
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- CPH82, a benzylidated podophyllotoxin glycoside mixture, is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- While generally well-tolerated, some patients develop Cushing's syndrome features.
Observation:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis was studied in two female RA patients during CPH82 treatment.
- Patients displayed clinical signs of hypercortisolism.
Findings:
- CPH82 treatment suppressed endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol production.
- A paradoxical clinical picture of hypercortisolism was observed despite suppressed HPA axis activity.
Implications:
- CPH82 exhibits glucocorticoid receptor agonistic effects.
- This mechanism may explain the observed clinical features of Cushing's syndrome in RA patients treated with CPH82.