Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Clinical observations have highlighted the link between glucocorticoids and obesity. While exogenous glucocorticoids in excess predispose to the development of central obesity, we have focused on cortisol metabolism within human adipose tissue. 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) inter-converts the active glucocorticoid, cortisol, and inactive cortisone. 11beta-HSD1, the only isoform expressed in adipose tissue, acts predominantly as an oxoreductase to generate cortisol. Expression is higher in omental compared to subcutaneous preadipocytes and activity and expression are potently regulated by growth factors and cytokines. Mice over-expressing 11beta-HSD1 specifically within adipocytes develop central obesity. However, the situation is less clear in humans. Globally, there appears to be inhibition of the enzyme, but expression in human obesity is still not fully characterized; its functional role in adipocyte biology remains to be elucidated. In vitro, 11beta-HSD1 appears to function in promoting adipocyte differentiation and limiting preadipocyte proliferation, but the impact of these effects in vivo upon the regulation of fat mass remains to be defined. Clinical studies utilizing selective 11beta-HSD1 inhibitors may help to answer this question.

Original publication

DOI

10.1055/s-2002-38242

Type

Journal article

Journal

Horm Metab Res

Publication Date

11/2002

Volume

34

Pages

746 - 751

Keywords

11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases, Adipocytes, Adipose Tissue, Animals, Cell Differentiation, Cell Division, Cortisone, Cortisone Reductase, Female, Humans, Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases, Isoenzymes, Male, Mice, Obesity