Corticotropin-releasing hormone affects short immobilization stress-induced changes in lung cytosolic and membrane glucocorticoid binding sites

Progesterone-Related Immune Modulation of Pregnancy and Labor

Pregnancy involves a complex interplay between maternal neuroendocrine and immunological systems in order to establish and sustain a growing fetus. It is thought that the uterus at pregnancy transitions from quiescent to laboring state in response to interactions between maternal and fetal systems at least partly via altered neuroendocrine signaling. Progesterone (P4) is a vital hormone in maternal reproductive tissues and immune cells during pregnancy. As such, P4 is widely used in clinical interventions to improve the chance of embryo implantation, as well as reduce the risk of miscarriage and premature labor. Here we review research to date that focus on the pathways through which P4 mediates its actions on both the maternal reproductive and immune system. We will dissect the role of P4 as a modulator of inflammation, both systemic and intrinsic to the uterus, during human pregnancy and labor.

Dexamethasone affects cell growth/apoptosis/chemosensitivity of colon cancer via glucocorticoid receptor α/NF-κB

Glucocorticoids are effective to treat lymphoma and leukemia. Their effect in colon cancer remains far from clear. Here, we found that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) α protein level was dramatically lower in colon cancer than in lymphoma. Colon cell lines LoVo and HCT116 were GRα-rich and GRα was not detectable in HT29 or SW480. Dexamethasone significantly inhibited cell growth of GRα-rich cell lines and did not significantly affect GRα-negative cell lines. Dexamethasone induced apoptosis and increased chemosensitivity of GRα-rich cell lines. Knockdown of GRα significantly attenuated dexamethasone effects on cell growth, apoptosis and chemosensitivity. NF-κB p65 significantly correlated with GRα in colon cancer samples. Dexamethasone decreased NF-κB p65 activity. Knockdown of NF-κB p65 increased apoptosis. Our data demonstrate GRα protein level is dramatically lower in colon cancer than in lymphoma. Dexamethasone inhibits cell growth, induces apoptosis and enhances chemosensitivity in colon cancer, at least partly, via GRα and NF-κB.

Neonatal Genetic Variation in Steroid Metabolism and Key Respiratory Function Genes and Perinatal Outcomes in Single and Multiple Courses of Corticosteroids

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to evaluate the association of steroid metabolism and respiratory gene polymorphisms in neonates exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) with respiratory outcomes, small for gestational age (SGA), and response to repeat ACS.

STUDY DESIGN

This candidate gene study is a secondary analysis of women enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of single versus weekly courses of ACS. Nineteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 13 steroid metabolism and respiratory function genes were evaluated. DNA was extracted from placenta or fetal cord serum and analyzed with TaqMan genotyping. Each SNP was evaluated for association via logistic regression with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/ventilator use (CPV), and SGA.

RESULTS

CRHBP, CRH, and CRHR1 minor alleles were associated with an increased risk of SGA. HSD11B1 and SCNN1B minor alleles were associated with an increased likelihood of RDS. Carriage of minor alleles in SerpinA6 was associated with an increased risk of CPV. CRH and CRHR1 minor alleles were associated with a decreased likelihood of CPV.

CONCLUSION

Steroid metabolism and respiratory gene SNPs are associated with respiratory outcomes and SGA in patients exposed to ACS. Risks for respiratory outcomes are affected by minor allele carriage as well as by treatment with multiple ACS.