Corticosteroid effects in skeletal muscle: gene induction/receptor autoregulation

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L I McKay1, D C DuBois, Y N Sun

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, 14260, USA.

Muscle & Nerve
|October 27, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Corticosteroid therapy can cause muscle weakness by increasing glutamine synthetase. These gene-mediated effects in muscle occur even with short-term use, informing future treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Corticosteroid therapy is associated with muscle weakness and atrophy.
  • Glutamine synthetase induction is a key mechanism underlying these side effects.
  • Corticosteroids also autoregulate their receptors, affecting tissue sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the gene-mediated effects of corticosteroids on muscle tissue.
  • To understand the molecular response dynamics following short-term corticosteroid administration.
  • To provide insights for designing future corticosteroid treatment regimens.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gene expression related to corticosteroid effects in muscle.
  • Assessment of molecular changes following short-term corticosteroid treatment.
  • Determination of enzyme induction and receptor regulation dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Short-term corticosteroid administration induces gene-mediated effects in muscle.
  • Increased glutamine synthetase levels are observed, correlating with muscle side effects.
  • Evidence of corticosteroid receptor autoregulation in muscle tissue was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

  • Gene-mediated effects, including glutamine synthetase induction, are significant even with short-term corticosteroid use.
  • Understanding molecular response dynamics is crucial for mitigating corticosteroid-induced muscle damage.
  • This research supports the development of safer therapeutic strategies involving corticosteroids.

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