Narrative review demonstrates widespread glucocorticoid receptor signaling in organ systems, indicating that chronic excess compromises metabolic and tissue function.
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are secreted by the adrenal cortex following activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis by external stressors via GC receptor (GR)-mediated mechanisms. Physiologically, GCs regulate organ metabolism, immune function, and energy homeostasis. However, chronic or excessive GCs impair mood regulation, cardiovascular tone, insulin sensitivity, lipid handling, and muscle and bone strength. The physiological and pathophysiological effects are mediated through nongenomic and genomic mechanisms.
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Guo et al. (2026) studied this question.
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