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Lockett J, Inder WJ, Clifton VL. The Glucocorticoid Receptor: Isoforms, Functions, and Contribution to Glucocorticoid Sensitivity. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:593-624. [PMID: 38551091 PMCID: PMC11244253 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids exert pleiotropic effects on all tissues to regulate cellular and metabolic homeostasis. Synthetic forms are used therapeutically in a wide range of conditions for their anti-inflammatory benefits, at the cost of dose and duration-dependent side effects. Significant variability occurs between tissues, disease states, and individuals with regard to both the beneficial and deleterious effects. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is the site of action for these hormones and a vast body of work has been conducted understanding its function. Traditionally, it was thought that the anti-inflammatory benefits of glucocorticoids were mediated by transrepression of pro-inflammatory transcription factors, while the adverse metabolic effects resulted from direct transactivation. This canonical understanding of the GR function has been brought into question over the past 2 decades with advances in the resolution of scientific techniques, and the discovery of multiple isoforms of the receptor present in most tissues. Here we review the structure and function of the GR, the nature of the receptor isoforms, and the contribution of the receptor to glucocorticoid sensitivity, or resistance in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Lockett
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4101, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Warrick J Inder
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Vicki L Clifton
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4101, Australia
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2
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Van Moortel L, Verhee A, Thommis J, Houtman R, Melchers D, Delhaye L, Van Leene C, Hellemans M, Gevaert K, Eyckerman S, De Bosscher K. Selective Modulation of the Human Glucocorticoid Receptor Compromises GR Chromatin Occupancy and Recruitment of p300/CBP and the Mediator Complex. Mol Cell Proteomics 2024; 23:100741. [PMID: 38387774 PMCID: PMC10957501 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Exogenous glucocorticoids are frequently used to treat inflammatory disorders and as adjuncts for the treatment of solid cancers. However, their use is associated with severe side effects and therapy resistance. Novel glucocorticoid receptor (GR) ligands with a patient-validated reduced side effect profile have not yet reached the clinic. GR is a member of the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors and heavily relies on interactions with coregulator proteins for its transcriptional activity. To elucidate the role of the GR interactome in the differential transcriptional activity of GR following treatment with the selective GR agonist and modulator dagrocorat compared to classic (ant)agonists, we generated comprehensive interactome maps by high-confidence proximity proteomics in lung epithelial carcinoma cells. We found that dagrocorat and the antagonist RU486 both reduced GR interaction with CREB-binding protein/p300 and the mediator complex compared to the full GR agonist dexamethasone. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that these changes in GR interactome were accompanied by reduced GR chromatin occupancy with dagrocorat and RU486. Our data offer new insights into the role of differential coregulator recruitment in shaping ligand-specific GR-mediated transcriptional responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Van Moortel
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annick Verhee
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Thommis
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Louis Delhaye
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chloé Van Leene
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Madeleine Hellemans
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; VIB-UGent Inflammation Research Center, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Eyckerman
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Institute, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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3
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Peel A, Rushworth RL, Torpy DJ. Novel agents to treat adrenal insufficiency: findings of preclinical and early clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:115-126. [PMID: 38284211 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2311207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adrenal insufficiency currently affects over 300/million population, with higher morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. Current glucocorticoid replacement therapy is limited by a lack of reliable biomarkers to guide dosing, inter-patient variation in metabolism and narrow therapeutic window. Increased morbidity and mortality may relate to unappreciated under- or over-exposure to glucocorticoids and impaired cortisol circadian rhythm. New agents are required to emulate physiological cortisol secretion and individualize glucocorticoid dosing. AREAS COVERED History of glucocorticoid therapy, current limitations, and novel chronotherapeutic glucocorticoid delivery mechanisms. Literature search incorporated searches of PubMed and Embase utilizing terms such as adrenal insufficiency, Chronocort, Plenadren, continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion (CHSI), and glucocorticoid receptor modulator. EXPERT OPINION Glucocorticoid chronotherapy is necessary to optimize glucocorticoid exposure and minimize complications. Current oral chronotherapeutics provide improved dosing functionality, but are modifiable only in specific increments and cannot accommodate ultradian cortisol variation. Current data show improvement in quality of life but not morbidity or mortality outcomes. CHSI has significant potential for individualized glucocorticoid dosing, but would require a suitable biomarker of glucocorticoid adequacy to be implementable. Avenues for future research include determining a glucocorticoid sufficiency biomarker, development of interstitial or systemic cortisol monitoring, or development of glucocorticoid receptor modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Peel
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - R Louise Rushworth
- School of Medicine, Sydney, The University of Notre Dame, Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - David J Torpy
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
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4
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Pofi R, Caratti G, Ray DW, Tomlinson JW. Treating the Side Effects of Exogenous Glucocorticoids; Can We Separate the Good From the Bad? Endocr Rev 2023; 44:975-1011. [PMID: 37253115 PMCID: PMC10638606 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that 2% to 3% of the population are currently prescribed systemic or topical glucocorticoid treatment. The potent anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids to deliver therapeutic benefit is not in doubt. However, the side effects associated with their use, including central weight gain, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and osteoporosis, often collectively termed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, are associated with a significant health and economic burden. The precise cellular mechanisms underpinning the differential action of glucocorticoids to drive the desirable and undesirable effects are still not completely understood. Faced with the unmet clinical need to limit glucocorticoid-induced adverse effects alongside ensuring the preservation of anti-inflammatory actions, several strategies have been pursued. The coprescription of existing licensed drugs to treat incident adverse effects can be effective, but data examining the prevention of adverse effects are limited. Novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators have been designed that aim to specifically and selectively activate anti-inflammatory responses based upon their interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor. Several of these compounds are currently in clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy. More recently, strategies exploiting tissue-specific glucocorticoid metabolism through the isoforms of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase has shown early potential, although data from clinical trials are limited. The aim of any treatment is to maximize benefit while minimizing risk, and within this review we define the adverse effect profile associated with glucocorticoid use and evaluate current and developing strategies that aim to limit side effects but preserve desirable therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pofi
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Giorgio Caratti
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - David W Ray
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Kavli Centre for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX37LE, UK
| | - Jeremy W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
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5
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Hysa E, Vojinovic T, Gotelli E, Alessandri E, Pizzorni C, Paolino S, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. The dichotomy of glucocorticosteroid treatment in immune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases: an evidence-based perspective and insights from clinical practice. Reumatologia 2023; 61:283-293. [PMID: 37745141 PMCID: PMC10515127 DOI: 10.5114/reum/170845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) are the most used anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs due to their effectiveness in managing pain and disease modification in many immune-inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). However, their use is limited because of adverse effects (AEs). Material and methods The authors analyzed recent studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational, translational studies and systematic reviews, providing an in-depth viewpoint on the benefits and drawbacks of GC use in rheumatology. Results Glucocorticosteroids are essential in managing life-threatening autoimmune diseases and a cornerstone in many IRDs given their swift onset of action, necessary in flares. Several RCTs and meta-analyses have demonstrated that when administered over a long time and on a low-dose basis, GC can slow the radiographic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by at least 50%, satisfying the conventional definition of a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). In the context of RA treatment, the use of modified-release prednisone formulations at night may offer the option of respecting circadian rhythms of both inflammatory response and HPA activation, thereby enabling low-dose GC administration to mitigate nocturnal inflammation and prolonged morning fatigue and joint stiffness. Long-term GC use should be individualized based on patient characteristics and minimized due to their potential AEs. Their chronic use, especially at medium/high dosages, might cause irreversible organ damage due to the burden of metabolic systemic effects and increased risk of infections. Many international guidelines recommend tapering/withdrawal of GCs in sustained remission. Treat-to-target (T2T) strategies are critical in setting targets for disease activity and reducing/discontinuing GCs once control is achieved. Conclusions Glucocorticosteroids' use in treating IRDs should be judicious, focused on minimizing use, tapering and discontinuing treatment, when possible, to improve long-term safety. Glucocorticosteroids remain part of many therapeutic regimens, particularly at low doses, and elderly RA patients, especially with associated chronic comorbidities, may benefit from long-term low-dose GC treatment. A personalized GC therapy is essential for optimal long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Tamara Vojinovic
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Alessandri
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy
- IRCCS – San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genova, Italy
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6
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Hanberg JS, Miloslavsky EM. Steroid sparing in vasculitis: Myth or reality? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2023; 37:101843. [PMID: 37355346 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2023.101843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are the cornerstone of therapy for all forms of vasculitis. However, glucocorticoid treatment carries with it the risk of glucocorticoid toxicity. Recent research efforts in vasculitis have emphasized investigation into strategies that reduce glucocorticoid exposure. These strategies include the adoption of rapid-acting steroid-sparing agents, reduced-dose glucocorticoid induction regimens, the early introduction of steroid-sparing agents for maintenance therapy, and the extension of maintenance therapy to minimize glucocorticoid exposure associated with disease relapse. These are critical advances to move us toward the goal of glucocorticoid-free treatment of vasculitis. The evidence supporting each of these strategies and directions for future research are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eli M Miloslavsky
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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7
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Winkler MS, Osuchowski MF, Payen D, Torres A, Dickel S, Skirecki T. Renaissance of glucocorticoids in critical care in the era of COVID-19: ten urging questions. Crit Care 2022; 26:308. [PMID: 36209188 PMCID: PMC9547674 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-022-04185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The 40-year-old experience with glucocorticosteroids (GCs) in the context of severe infections is complex and troublesome. Recently, however, a clear indication for GCs in severe COVID-19 has been established. This may constitute a harbinger of a wider use of GCs in critical illnesses. A fundamental prerequisite of such an action is a better understanding of the heterogeneity of critical illness and GCs operationalization within the precision medicine approach. In this perspective, we formulate ten major questions regarding the use of GCs in critical illness. Answering them will likely facilitate a new era of effective and personalized GCs use in modern critical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S. Winkler
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcin F. Osuchowski
- grid.420022.60000 0001 0723 5126Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Trauma in Cooperation with the AUVA, Vienna, Austria
| | - Didier Payen
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Emeritus Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Paris 7, Cité, Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Antoni Torres
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Clinic IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomedica En Red-Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Steffen Dickel
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tomasz Skirecki
- grid.414852.e0000 0001 2205 7719Department of Translational Immunology and Experimental Intensive Care, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Li JX, Cummins CL. Fresh insights into glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus and new therapeutic directions. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:540-557. [PMID: 35585199 PMCID: PMC9116713 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-022-00683-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones were discovered to have use as potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapeutics in the 1940s and their continued use and development have successfully revolutionized the management of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, long-term use of glucocorticoids is severely hampered by undesirable metabolic complications, including the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. These effects occur due to glucocorticoid receptor activation within multiple tissues, which results in inter-organ crosstalk that increases hepatic glucose production and inhibits peripheral glucose uptake. Despite the high prevalence of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycaemia associated with their routine clinical use, treatment protocols for optimal management of the metabolic adverse effects are lacking or underutilized. The type, dose and potency of the glucocorticoid administered dictates the choice of hypoglycaemic intervention (non-insulin or insulin therapy) that should be provided to patients. The longstanding quest to identify dissociated glucocorticoid receptor agonists to separate the hyperglycaemic complications of glucocorticoids from their therapeutically beneficial anti-inflammatory effects is ongoing, with selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators in clinical testing. Promising areas of preclinical research include new mechanisms to disrupt glucocorticoid signalling in a tissue-selective manner and the identification of novel targets that can selectively dissociate the effects of glucocorticoids. These research arms share the ultimate goal of achieving the anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids without the metabolic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carolyn L Cummins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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9
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Ben Mrid R, Bouchmaa N, Ainani H, El Fatimy R, Malka G, Mazini L. Anti-rheumatoid drugs advancements: New insights into the molecular treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113126. [PMID: 35643074 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of more than 100 types of arthritis. This chronic autoimmune disorder affects the lining of synovial joints in about 0.5% of people and may induce severe joints deformity and disability. RA impacts health life of people from all sexes and ages with more prevalence in elderly and women people. Significant improvement has been noted in the last two decades revealing the mechanisms of the development of RA, the improvement of the early diagnosis and the development of new treatment options. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) remain the most known treatments used against RA. However, not all patients respond well to these drugs and therefore, new solutions are of immense need to improve the disease outcomes. In the present review, we discuss and highlight the recent findings concerning the different classes of RA therapies including the conventional and modern drug therapies, as well as the recent emerging options including the phyto-cannabinoid and cell- and RNA-based therapies. A better understanding of their mechanisms and pathways might help find a specific target against inflammation, cartilage damage, and reduce side effects in arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda Ben Mrid
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Najat Bouchmaa
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Hassan Ainani
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Rachid El Fatimy
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Gabriel Malka
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco
| | - Loubna Mazini
- Institute of Biological Sciences (ISSB-P), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), 43150 Ben-Guerir, Morocco.
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10
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Hendra H, Salama AD. Steroids as treatment for glomerulonephritis: time for a rethink. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2022; 37:1212-1217. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfaa267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have been a cornerstone of treatment for inflammatory and autoimmune kidney diseases for almost 70 years, yet it is fair to say, we still do not know how ‘best’ to use them. Significant adverse events are associated with their continued use, which contribute to premature patient mortality. Steroid avoidance or minimization is possible and has been tested in various glomerular diseases, as a result of novel agents or innovative regimens using established therapeutics. It is now time to seriously address our use of steroids and educate physicians on better ways of managing inflammatory kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidy Hendra
- UCL Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Free Hospital , London, UK
| | - Alan D Salama
- UCL Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Free Hospital , London, UK
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11
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Lesovaya EA, Chudakova D, Baida G, Zhidkova EM, Kirsanov KI, Yakubovskaya MG, Budunova IV. The long winding road to the safer glucocorticoid receptor (GR) targeting therapies. Oncotarget 2022; 13:408-424. [PMID: 35198100 PMCID: PMC8858080 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (Gcs) are widely used to treat inflammatory diseases and hematological malignancies, and despite the introduction of novel anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer biologics, the use of inexpensive and effective Gcs is expected to grow. Unfortunately, chronic treatment with Gcs results in multiple atrophic and metabolic side effects. Thus, the search for safer glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-targeted therapies that preserve therapeutic potential of Gcs but result in fewer adverse effects remains highly relevant. Development of selective GR agonists/modulators (SEGRAM) with reduced side effects, based on the concept of dissociation of GR transactivation and transrepression functions, resulted in limited success, and currently focus has shifted towards partial GR agonists. Additional approach is the identification and inhibition of genes associated with Gcs specific side effects. Others and we recently identified GR target genes REDD1 and FKBP51 as key mediators of Gcs-induced atrophy, and selected and validated candidate molecules for REDD1 blockage including PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors. In this review, we summarized classic and contemporary approaches to safer GR-mediated therapies including unique concept of Gcs combination with REDD1 inhibitors. We discussed protective effects of REDD1 inhibitors against Gcs–induced atrophy in skin and bone and underlined the translational potential of this combination for further development of safer and effective Gcs-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A. Lesovaya
- Deparment of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin NMRCO, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Oncology, I.P. Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University, Ryazan, Russia
| | - Daria Chudakova
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gleb Baida
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ekaterina M. Zhidkova
- Deparment of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin NMRCO, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill I. Kirsanov
- Deparment of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin NMRCO, Moscow, Russia
- Deparment of General Medical Practice, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marianna G. Yakubovskaya
- Deparment of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin NMRCO, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Budunova
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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12
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McWilliams DF, Thankaraj D, Jones-Diette J, Morgan R, Ifesemen OS, Shenker NG, Walsh DA. The efficacy of systemic glucocorticosteroids for pain in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:76-89. [PMID: 34213524 PMCID: PMC8742830 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) are recommended to suppress inflammation in people with active RA. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of systemic GCs on RA pain. Methods A systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in RA comparing systemic GCs to inactive treatment. Three databases were and spontaneous pain and evoked pain outcomes were extracted. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and mean differences were meta-analysed. Heterogeneity (I2, tau statistics) and bias (funnel plot, Egger’s test) were assessed. Subgroup analyses investigated sources of variation. This study was pre-registered (PROSPERO CRD42019111562). Results A total of 18 903 titles, 880 abstracts and 226 full texts were assessed. Thirty-three RCTs suitable for the meta-analysis included 3123 participants. Pain scores (spontaneous pain) decreased in participants treated with oral GCs; SMD = −0.65 (15 studies, 95% CI −0.82, −0.49, P <0.001) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 56%, P =0.0002). Efficacy displayed time-related decreases after GC initiation. Mean difference visual analogue scale pain was −15 mm (95% CI −20, −9) greater improvement in GC than control at ≤3 months, −8 mm (95% CI −12, −3) at >3–6 months and −7 mm (95% CI −13, 0) at >6 months. Similar findings were obtained when evoked pain outcomes were examined. Data from five RCTs suggested improvement also in fatigue during GC treatment. Conclusion Oral GCs are analgesic in RA. The benefit is greatest shortly after initiation and GCs might not achieve clinically important pain relief beyond 3 months. Treatments other than anti-inflammatory GCs should be considered to reduce the long-term burden of pain in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F McWilliams
- Division of ROD, Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Divya Thankaraj
- Division of ROD, Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Julie Jones-Diette
- Division of ROD, Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Onosi S Ifesemen
- Division of ROD, Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - David A Walsh
- Division of ROD, Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton-in-Ashfield, UK
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13
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Hua C, Buttgereit F, Combe B. Glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis: current status and future studies. RMD Open 2021; 6:rmdopen-2017-000536. [PMID: 31958273 PMCID: PMC7046968 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their first use for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the late 1940s, glucocorticoids (GCs) have been representing a substantial part of the therapeutic arsenal for RA. However, even if GCs are still widely prescribed drugs, their toxicity is discussed controversially, so obtaining consensus on their use in RA is difficult. Hence, the most recent European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology recommendations on early arthritis and RA management advocate the use of GCs as adjunct treatment to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time possible. However, the recommendations remain relatively vague on dose regimens and routes of administration. Here, we describe literature data on which the current recommendations are based as well as data from recent trials published since the drafting of the guidelines. Moreover, we make proposals for daily practice and provide suggestions for studies that could help clarifying the place of GCs in RA management. Indeed, numerous items, including the benefit/risk ratio of low-dose and very low-dose GCs and optimal duration of GCs as bridging therapy, remain on the research agenda, and future studies are needed to guide the next recommendations for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Hua
- Rheumatology Department, Nîmes Hospital, EA2415, Montpellier University, Nîmes, France
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin (CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernard Combe
- Rheumatology Department, Montpellier hospital, UMR 5535, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
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14
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Kurimoto T, Tamai I, Nakagawa T, Miyai A, Yamamoto Y, Kosugi Y, Deai K, Hata T, Ohta T, Matsushita M, Yamada T. JTP-117968, a novel selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effect while maintaining bone mineral density in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173880. [PMID: 33476654 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Classic glucocorticoids have been prescribed for various inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, due to their outstanding anti-inflammatory effects. However, glucocorticoids cause numerous unwanted side effects, including osteoporosis and diabetes. Hence, selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs), which retain anti-inflammatory effects with minimized side effects, are among the most anticipated drugs in the clinical field. The assumption is that there are two major mechanisms of action via glucocorticoid receptors, transrepression (TR) and transactivation (TA). In general, anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids are largely due to TR, while the side effects associated with glucocorticoids are mostly mediated through TA. We previously reported that JTP-117968, a novel SGRM, maintained partial TR activity while remarkably reducing the TA activity. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of JTP-117968 on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge model and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice. Meanwhile, we tested the effect of JTP-117968 on the bone mineral density (BMD) in mouse femur to evaluate the side effect. Based on the evaluation, JTP-117968 reduced the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor α induced by LPS challenge in mice significantly. Remarkably, CIA development was suppressed by JTP-117968 comparably with prednisolone and PF-802, an active form of fosdagrocorat that has been developed clinically as an orally available SGRM. Strikingly, the side effect of JTP-117968 on mouse femoral BMD was much lower than those of PF-802 and prednisolone. Therefore, JTP-117968 has attractive potential as a new therapeutic option against inflammatory diseases with minimized side effects compared to classic glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Kurimoto
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agrobiology, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Isao Tamai
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakagawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsuko Miyai
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuo Yamamoto
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kosugi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsuya Deai
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hata
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ohta
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Takahisa Yamada
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agrobiology, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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15
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[Safety aspects of the treatment with glucocorticoids for rheumatoid arthritis]. Z Rheumatol 2021; 80:295-304. [PMID: 33704557 PMCID: PMC7948162 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-021-00972-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glukokortikoide (GC) werden für die initiale Therapie der RA nach wie vor empfohlen – zeitlich befristet und in geringstmöglicher Dosierung. Ihre komplexe Wirkweise geht mit Nebenwirkungen einher, die v. a. in der Dauertherapie oberhalb von 5 mg Prednisolon pro Tag eine Rolle spielen. In diesem Dosisbereich begünstigen sie Osteoporose, Diabetes/Hyperglykämie, kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse und Infektionen und tragen damit zu einer vermehrten Frühsterblichkeit bei. Dabei sind die Risiken der GC-Therapie von patientenbezogenen Faktoren abhängig wie Alter, Komorbidität und Begleitmedikation. Ein negativer Einfluss sehr niedriger Steroiddosen auf das Gesamtüberleben ist möglicherweise bei hoher kumulativer Dosis nachweisbar, die Datenlage ist hier jedoch widersprüchlich. Das Monitoring einer GC-vermittelten Toxizität mithilfe eines validierten Index sollte in Zukunft dazu beitragen, die Vorteile einer steroidsparenden Behandlungsstrategie besser zu beschreiben. Selektiver wirkende Substanzen könnten in Zukunft eine Abkopplung der erwünschten Wirkungen von den Nebenwirkungen ermöglichen.
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16
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Banerjee A, Goswami RP, Chatterjee M. Network theoretic analysis of JAK/STAT pathway and extrapolation to drugs and viruses including COVID-19. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2512. [PMID: 33510353 PMCID: PMC7844052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82139-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Whenever some phenomenon can be represented as a graph or a network it seems pertinent to explore how much the mathematical properties of that network impact the phenomenon. In this study we explore the same philosophy in the context of immunology. Our objective was to assess the correlation of "size" (number of edges and minimum vertex cover) of the JAK/STAT network with treatment effect in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), phenotype of viral infection and effect of immunosuppressive agents on a system infected with the coronavirus. We extracted the JAK/STAT pathway from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG, hsa04630). The effects of the following drugs, and their combinations, commonly used in RA were tested: methotrexate, prednisolone, rituximab, tocilizumab, tofacitinib and baricitinib. Following viral systems were also tested for their ability to evade the JAK/STAT pathway: Measles, Influenza A, West Nile virus, Japanese B virus, Yellow Fever virus, respiratory syncytial virus, Kaposi's sarcoma virus, Hepatitis B and C virus, cytomegalovirus, Hendra and Nipah virus and Coronavirus. Good correlation of edges and minimum vertex cover with clinical efficacy were observed (for edge, rho = - 0.815, R2 = 0.676, p = 0.007, for vertex cover rho = - 0.793, R2 = 0.635, p = 0.011). In the viral systems both edges and vertex cover were associated with acuteness of viral infections. In the JAK/STAT system already infected with coronavirus, maximum reduction in size was achieved with baricitinib. To conclude, algebraic and combinatorial invariant of a network may explain its biological behaviour. At least theoretically, baricitinib may be an attractive target for treatment of coronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Banerjee
- Department of Mathematics, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Belur, India
| | - Rudra Prosad Goswami
- Department of Rheumatology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Moumita Chatterjee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Aliah University, Kolkata, India
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17
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Palmowski A, Buttgereit F. Reducing the Toxicity of Long-Term Glucocorticoid Treatment in Large Vessel Vasculitis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22:85. [PMID: 33047263 PMCID: PMC7550368 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose While glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective in large vessel vasculitis (LVV), they may cause serious adverse events (AEs), especially if taken for longer durations and at higher doses. Unfortunately, patients suffering from LVV often need long-term treatment with GCs; therefore, toxicity needs to be expected and countered. Recent Findings GCs remain the mainstay of therapy for both giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. In order to minimize their toxicity, the following strategies should be considered: GC tapering, administration of conventional synthetic (e.g., methotrexate) or biologic (e.g., tocilizumab) GC-sparing agents, as well as monitoring, prophylaxis, and treatment of GC-related AEs. Several drugs are currently under investigation to expand the armamentarium for the treatment of LVV. Summary GC treatment in LVV is effective but associated with toxicity. Strategies to minimize this toxicity should be applied when treating patients suffering from LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andriko Palmowski
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Rogliani P, Ritondo BL, Puxeddu E, Pane G, Cazzola M, Calzetta L. Experimental Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Asthma: A Systematic Review. J Exp Pharmacol 2020; 12:233-254. [PMID: 32982485 PMCID: PMC7495344 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s237480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are considered the cornerstone of asthma treatment. Despite the solid evidence documenting the efficacy and safety of ICSs at the level of the airways, their use can be affected by pulmonary and systemic adverse events (AEs) when administered chronically and/or at high doses. Thus, there is a pharmacological and medical need for new glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR) ligands with a more favorable therapeutic index, in order to overcome the shortcomings of currently available ICSs. The therapeutic profile of GCs can be improved by enhancing genomic mechanisms mediated by transrepression, which is assumed to be responsible for several anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, rather than transactivation, which causes most of the GC-associated AEs. It was assumed that an independent modulation of the molecular mechanisms underlying transactivation and transrepression could translate into the dissociation of beneficial effects from AEs. Therefore, current research is looking for GCs that are able to elicit prevalently transrepression with negligible transactivating activity. These compounds are known as selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists (SEGRAs). In this review, experimental GR agonists currently in pre-clinical and clinical development for the treatment of asthma have been systematically assessed. Several compounds are currently under pre-clinical development, but only three novel experimental GR agonists (GW870086X, AZD5423, AZD7594) seem to have some potential therapeutic relevance and have entered clinical trials for the treatment of asthma. Since data from pre-clinical studies have not always been confirmed in clinical investigations, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed in asthmatic patients to confirm the potentially positive benefit/risk ratio of each specific SEGRA and to optimize the development strategy of these agents in respiratory medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rogliani
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Ludovica Ritondo
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Ermanno Puxeddu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Pane
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Cazzola
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Luigino Calzetta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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19
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Fleischmann R, Furst DE. Safety of repository corticotropin injection as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2020; 19:935-944. [PMID: 32497440 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2020.1779219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have significantly improved clinical symptoms and quality of life with reduced disease progression in many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Short-term glucocorticoid therapy is often used initially in combination with DMARDs, but some patients still have difficulty reaching treatment goals. Repository corticotropin injection (RCI, Acthar® Gel) is approved as adjunctive therapy for short-term administration in patients with continued RA disease activity. AREAS COVERED To determine the safety of RCI in the treatment of RA, adverse events (AEs) from a recent clinical trial of RCI as an adjunctive therapy along with DMARDs and glucocorticoids (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02919761) were compared with AEs reported in randomized clinical trials of DMARDs and glucocorticoids alone. A systematic review of the literature yielded 4 articles describing the detailed safety results of DMARD/glucocorticoid combination therapy used in the treatment of RA for comparison. EXPERT OPINION There were no clinically significant differences between the AE profiles of RCI/DMARD/glucocorticoid treatment in the RCI clinical trial and those in the DMARD/glucocorticoid safety profile compiled from the reviewed clinical trials; this was supported by pharmacovigilance data. These results support the short-term safety of RCI as an adjunctive therapy for patients with persistently active RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Fleischmann
- Metroplex Clinical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Daniel E Furst
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles, CA, USA
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20
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Views on glucocorticoid therapy in rheumatology: the age of convergence. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:239-246. [PMID: 32076129 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-0370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
After decades of sometimes fierce debate about the advantages and disadvantages of glucocorticoids, an age of convergence has been reached. Current recommendations for the management of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polymyalgia rheumatica and large vessel vasculitis reflect the current consensus that as much glucocorticoid as necessary, but as little as possible, should be used. Over the past few years, a range of glucocorticoid-sparing strategies have been developed, as have tools to improve the management of this therapy. A comprehensive view of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis has also emerged that recognizes that bone fragility is not solely determined by the dose and duration of glucocorticoid treatment. Nevertheless, open questions remain around whether long-term use of very low doses of glucocorticoids is a realistic option for patients with RA and whether the search for innovative glucocorticoids or glucocorticoid receptor ligands with improved benefit-to-risk ratios will ultimately be successful.
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21
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Hardy RS, Raza K, Cooper MS. Therapeutic glucocorticoids: mechanisms of actions in rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:133-144. [PMID: 32034322 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-0371-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic glucocorticoids have been widely used in rheumatic diseases since they became available over 60 years ago. Despite the advent of more specific biologic therapies, a notable proportion of individuals with chronic rheumatic diseases continue to be treated with these drugs. Glucocorticoids are powerful, broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agents, but their use is complicated by an equally broad range of adverse effects. The specific cellular mechanisms by which glucocorticoids have their therapeutic action have been difficult to identify, and attempts to develop more selective drugs on the basis of the action of glucocorticoids have proven difficult. The actions of glucocorticoids seem to be highly cell-type and context dependent. Despite emerging data on the effect of tissue-specific manipulation of glucocorticoid receptors in mouse models of inflammation, the cell types and intracellular targets of glucocorticoids in rheumatic diseases have not been fully identified. Although showing some signs of decline, the use of systemic glucocorticoids in rheumatology is likely to continue to be widespread, and careful consideration is required by rheumatologists to balance the beneficial effects and deleterious effects of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan S Hardy
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark S Cooper
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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22
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Buttgereit F. Can we shift the benefit-risk ratio of glucocorticoids? THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2020; 2:e5-e6. [PMID: 38258276 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(19)30138-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Buttgereit
- Charité University Medicine, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin 10117, Germany.
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23
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Hegelund Myrbäck T, Prothon S, Edman K, Leander J, Hashemi M, Dearman M, Edenro G, Svanberg P, Andersson EM, Almquist J, Ämmälä C, Hendrickx R, Taib Z, Johansson KA, Berggren AR, Keen CM, Eriksson UG, Fuhr R, Carlsson BCL. Effects of a selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator (AZD9567) versus prednisolone in healthy volunteers: two phase 1, single-blind, randomised controlled trials. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2020; 2:e31-e41. [PMID: 38258274 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(19)30103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids are highly effective and widely used anti-inflammatory drugs, but their use is limited by serious side-effects, including glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycaemia and diabetes. AZD9567 is a non-steroidal, selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator that aims to reduce side-effects. We aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of AZD9567 in healthy volunteers. METHODS Two phase 1 clinical studies were done. First, a randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blind, single-ascending dose study was done in healthy men who received single oral doses of AZD9567 2 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg, or 155 mg, or prednisolone 60 mg (n=8 per dose group, randomly assigned [6:2] to receive active drug or placebo). Second, a randomised, active-controlled, single-blind, multiple-ascending dose study was done, in which men and women received oral AZD9567 or prednisolone once daily for 5 days. One cohort of volunteers with prediabetes received AZD9567 10 mg (n=7) or prednisolone 20 mg (n=2). All other cohorts comprised healthy volunteers, receiving AZD9567 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, or 125 mg (n=7 per dose group), or prednisolone 5 mg (n=13), 20 mg (n=16), or 40 mg (n=13). Participants and study centre staff were masked to treatment assignment for each cohort, although data were unmasked for safety review between cohorts. The primary outcome of the single-ascending dose study was the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single ascending doses of AZD9567; for the multiple-ascending dose study it was the safety and tolerability of AZD9567 following multiple ascending doses. As a secondary outcome, effects on glycaemic control were ascertained with oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) done at baseline and on day 1 of the single-ascending dose study, and at baseline and on day 4 of the multiple-ascending dose study. These trials are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02512575 and NCT02760316. FINDINGS In the single-ascending dose study, between Nov 18, 2015, and Sept 26, 2016, 72 healthy white men were enrolled, and all completed the study. In the multiple-ascending dose study, between May 2, 2016, and Sept 13, 2017, 77 predominantly white male volunteers (including nine individuals with prediabetes and eight women) were enrolled and 75 completed the study. All doses of AZD9567 and prednisolone were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or events suggesting adrenal insufficiency. In the single-ascending dose study, nine adverse events of mild intensity were reported (five with AZD9567 and four with placebo); no adverse event was reported by more than one person. In the multiple-ascending dose study, 44 adverse events of mild or moderate intensity were reported (18 with AZD9567 and 26 with prednisolone). The most common were headache and micturition. Apparent clearance, volume of distribution, and half-life of AZD9567 were consistent across doses and for single versus repeated dosing. In the multiple-ascending dose study, OGTTs showed no significant difference with AZD9567 doses up to 80 mg compared with prednisolone 5 mg in glucose area under the curve from 0 h to 4 h post-OGTT (AUC0-4h) from baseline to day 4; the increase in glucose AUC0-4h from baseline to day 4 was significantly lower with all AZD9567 doses versus prednisolone 20 mg (AZD9567 20 mg p<0·0001, 40 mg p=0·0001, 80 mg p=0·0001, and 125 mg p=0·0237). INTERPRETATION AZD9567 appears to be safe and well tolerated in healthy, predominantly white male volunteers and shows promising initial evidence for improved post-prandial glucose control. Studies of longer duration, with a greater proportion of women and other ethnic groups, and in patients requiring anti-inflammatory treatment are needed to characterise the clinical efficacy and safety profile of AZD9567. FUNDING AstraZeneca.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanne Prothon
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karl Edman
- Structure Biophysics and Fragments, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jacob Leander
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mahdi Hashemi
- Early Biometrics & Statistical Innovation, Data Science & AI, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthew Dearman
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Goran Edenro
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Petter Svanberg
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva-Marie Andersson
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joachim Almquist
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina Ämmälä
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ramon Hendrickx
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ziad Taib
- Early Biometrics & Statistical Innovation, Data Science & AI, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kicki A Johansson
- Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders R Berggren
- Late-Stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina M Keen
- Research and Early Development, Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulf G Eriksson
- Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rainard Fuhr
- PAREXEL Early Phase Clinical Unit, Berlin, Germany
| | - Björn C L Carlsson
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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24
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Van Moortel L, Gevaert K, De Bosscher K. Improved Glucocorticoid Receptor Ligands: Fantastic Beasts, but How to Find Them? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:559673. [PMID: 33071974 PMCID: PMC7541956 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.559673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Exogenous glucocorticoids are widely used in the clinic for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and hematological cancers. Unfortunately, their use is associated with debilitating side effects, including hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, mood swings, and weight gain. Despite the continued efforts of pharma as well as academia, the search for so-called selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SEGRMs), compounds with strong anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties but a reduced number or level of side effects, has had limited success so far. Although monoclonal antibody therapies have been successfully introduced for the treatment of certain disorders (such as anti-TNF for rheumatoid arthritis), glucocorticoids remain the first-in-line option for many other chronic diseases including asthma, multiple sclerosis, and multiple myeloma. This perspective offers our opinion on why a continued search for SEGRMs remains highly relevant in an era where small molecules are sometimes unrightfully considered old-fashioned. Besides a discussion on which bottlenecks and pitfalls might have been overlooked in the past, we elaborate on potential solutions and recent developments that may push future research in the right direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Van Moortel
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Karolien De Bosscher
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25
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Louw A. GR Dimerization and the Impact of GR Dimerization on GR Protein Stability and Half-Life. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1693. [PMID: 31379877 PMCID: PMC6653659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacologically, glucocorticoids, which mediate their effects via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), are a most effective therapy for inflammatory diseases despite the fact that chronic use causes side-effects and acquired GC resistance. The design of drugs with fewer side-effects and less potential for the development of resistance is therefore considered crucial for improved therapy. Dimerization of the GR is an integral step in glucocorticoid signaling and has been identified as a possible molecular site to target for drug development of anti-inflammatory drugs with an improved therapeutic index. Most of the current understanding regarding the role of GR dimerization in GC signaling derives for dimerization deficient mutants, although the role of ligands biased toward monomerization has also been described. Even though designing for loss of dimerization has mostly been applied for reduction of side-effect profile, designing for loss of dimerization may also be a fruitful strategy for the development of GC drugs with less potential to develop GC resistance. GC-induced resistance affects up to 30% of users and is due to a reduction in the GR functional pool. Several molecular mechanisms of GC-mediated reductions in GR pool have been described, one of which is the autologous down-regulation of GR density by the ubiquitin-proteasome-system (UPS). Loss of GR dimerization prevents autologous down-regulation of the receptor through modulation of interactions with components of the UPS and post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation, which prime the GR for degradation. Rational design of conformationally biased ligands that select for a monomeric GR conformation, which increases GC sensitivity through improving GR protein stability and increasing half-life, may be a productive avenue to explore. However, potential drawbacks to this approach should be considered as well as the advantages and disadvantages in chronic vs. acute treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Louw
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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