Vol 14, No 3 (2010)
Review paper
Published online: 2010-08-05
Glucocorticoids action in etiology of hypertension
Nadciśnienie tętnicze 2010;14(3):208-215.
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GKS), among which cortisol (F) is the
most important factor, have various metabolic functions.
They regulate glucose levels and influence proteins and
lipids metabolism. Higher secretion of F, its changed
metabolism or higher sensitivity of cells or tissues to F
might be a source of metabolic disorders and many diseases,
inter alia arterial hypertension. The key enzyme
in F metabolism is 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase,
which catalyzes the interconversion of F and inactive
cortisone. The isoform 2 of that enzyme (11β-HSD2) is
responsible for mineralocorticoid receptor’s protection
from F. Disturbances in activity of 11β-HSD2, for example
in apparent mineralocorticoid excess, lead to
mineralocorticoid receptor activation by F, water retention
and finally to hypertension. The influence of GKS
on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis is another possible
mechanism of hypertensive action of GKS. Decrease of
NO levels may be an effect of inhibition of expression of
nitric oxide synthase isoform 2 and 3, lack of enzyme
co-factor or the substrate for NO synthesis. The paper
summarises data considering GKS influence on
pathomechanism of arterial hypertension.
Arterial Hypertension 2010, vol. 14, no 3, pages 208-215
Arterial Hypertension 2010, vol. 14, no 3, pages 208-215
Keywords: arterial hypertensionglucocorticoidscortisol11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenasenitric oxide