What are some new facts about steroids and hormones II?

Steroids are indispensable biomolecules of our body. They regulate several physiological processes. The main steroids and hormones intermediates are Dexamethasone, Betamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Budesonide, Fluticasone Propionate, Progesterone, Estrone, Estriol, Pregnenolone, Dydrogesterone, etc. Despite the myriad studies, steroid regulation of immune system is still mysterious. Steroids influence the immune-cell function based on the microenvironment, steroid type, concentration, time of exposure, and maturation stage of immune cells. Steroids have a direct or indirect influence on almost every type of immune cells, the underlying molecular mechanism of some have been explored, but mostly remain in mystery. The influence of local steroids may play a major regulatory role in these processes. Dysregulation of immune system and immune reprogramming play significant roles in the onset or progression of the disease. Steroid-producing immune cells and local steroidogenesis may play an important role in this immune regulation. Thus, exploring the influence of steroids on immune system will enrich basic science.

Synthetic steroids are used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs. Frequently prescribed in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hay fever, hive, eczema, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, organ transplantation and also in clinical oncology. Unfortunately, long-term use causes deleterious side effects and eventually, drug resistance developed. The discovery of underlying fundamental principles of immune-cell-mediated steroidogenesis and endogenous steroid-regulation of immune cells is expected to innovate novel therapeutic strategies to bypass undesirable side effects of synthetic steroids, ensuring more physiological resolution of inflammation and immunity.