Glucocorticoids

The 28th European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) starts tomorrow

World Hormone Day 2026

The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.

TIGAR: A protective regulator that ameliorates glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

A new study identifies TIGAR as a key regulator of osteoblast redox homeostasis and bone formation under glucocorticoid stress. TIGAR mitigates oxidative damage and apoptosis by activating autophagy-dependent Nrf2 signaling.

Day & night: Cancer disrupts the brain’s natural rhythm

Research found that breast cancer flattens corticosterone release in mice, reducing quality of life and increasing mortality. Disruptions to diurnal rhythms have been linked to stress responses like insomnia and anxiety in cancer patients.

Synthetic stress hormone dexamethasone could reduce breast cancer metastases

Researchers discovered that synthetic stress hormone dexamethasone can combat therapy-resistant breast cancer metastases in mice trials. The drug activates the glucocorticoid receptor, suppressing estrogen receptor production and slowing tumor growth. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in patients with breast cancer.

European Society of Endocrinology leads global call to raise awareness of hormone health on World Hormone Day 2026

The European Society of Endocrinology is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about the importance of hormone health. The #BecauseHormonesMatter initiative aims to improve public understanding of hormones and promote practical steps for better hormone health, following the success of last year's campaign.

New EndoCompass Research Roadmap calls for coordinated investment to tackle Europe’s hormone health challenge

The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.

Inappropriate prescriptions for antibiotics, glucocorticoids and opioids common at urgent cares

A study of 22 million urgent care visits found 12.4% of patients received antibiotics, 9.1% glucocorticoids, and 1.3% opioids for generally inappropriate diagnoses. The trends highlight the need for improved clinician knowledge, patient demand, and decision support.

Manuel Heitor to share perspectives on the future of research in Europe at launch of EndoCompass

The EndoCompass project aims to guide future studies and funding programs with a research roadmap for better hormone health in Europe. Manuel Heitor will share his perspective on the future of research in Europe, emphasizing the need for greater investment and coordination.

New research evaluates the ability of patients with adrenal crisis to complete emergency cortisol injections

A new study explores the ability of individuals with adrenal crisis to accurately and effectively administer emergency cortisol injections. Nearly half of those living with adrenal insufficiency are unable to self-administer life-saving injections during a medical emergency, highlighting the need for improved awareness and preparedness.

Blocking chemokine receptor increases effectiveness of glucocorticoids in multiple myeloma treatment

Researchers discovered blocking CCR1 increases glucocorticoid sensitivity in multiple myeloma cells, offering a new strategy to improve treatment outcomes. The study found that high levels of CCR1 are linked to worse outcomes and plays a critical role in drug resistance.

Being a ladies' man comes at a price for alpha male baboons

A new study reveals that alpha male baboons' stress hormone levels are higher when they spend time monopolizing fertile females, not during aggression. This suggests that the demands of being a top-ranking male may be harmful to their health, leading to faster aging and shorter lives.

Mental disorders among offspring prenatally exposed to systemic glucocorticoids

A cohort study found a strong association between prenatal exposure to systemic glucocorticoids and an increased risk of certain mental disorders in children. The study suggests that continued caution is necessary when using glucocorticoids during pregnancy, given the potential long-term effects on offspring mental health.

Save the date: European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and ESE Foundation announce inaugural World Hormone Day

The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and ESE Foundation will host the first-ever World Hormone Day on April 24, 2025. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of good hormone health and improve national political engagement for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of endocrine disease.

Brain tumors hijack circadian clock to grow

Glioblastoma brain tumors synchronize their growth with the daily release of steroid hormones like cortisol, according to new research. Blocking these signals slows tumor growth and disease progression in animal models.

Wild birds’ gut microbiome linked with its ornamentation and body condition

A new study has linked the diversity of a wild bird's gut microbiome with its ornamentation and body condition. Researchers found that a cardinal's gut microbiome can be predicted by its body condition, and the quality of its ornamentation, such as red plumage and beak. This discovery has important applications for conservation biology.

Patients receiving steroids are more than twice as likely to develop diabetes, UK study has found

A new UK study found that patients receiving systemic glucocorticoids are more than twice as likely to develop diabetes. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, involved over 451,000 adults and revealed a significant link between steroid treatment and new-onset diabetes.

Prehospital pulse-dose glucocorticoid in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Treatment with prehospital pulse-dose glucocorticoid improved acute parameters, but did not reduce final infarct size after 3 months. The trial was likely underpowered due to smaller-than-anticipated final infarct sizes.

$2.4 million grant helping MCG scientists better understand what happens to our skeleton as we age

Researchers are studying the role of stress hormones and mineralocorticoid receptors in bone health as we age. The goal is to understand how balance between these factors affects our skeletons. By investigating this complex relationship, scientists hope to develop new insights into osteoporosis and other age-related bone disorders.

New drug could help those with CAH reduce the use of corticosteroids

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that crinecerfont reduces adrenal androgen production by half in adults with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), allowing for lower doses of corticosteroids. This could lead to fewer long-term side effects associated with high-dose corticosteroid use.

Single episode of intense exercise reduces subsequent physical activity and body temperature, contributing to weight gain

A single episode of intense exercise reduces subsequent physical activity and body temperature in mice, leading to weight gain. The study highlights the importance of considering not only calories burned during exercise but also subsequent activity levels and circadian rhythm for effective weight loss.

European Society of Endocrinology and Endocrine Society publish Joint Guideline on glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency (GC-AI)

The Joint Guideline provides guidance on diagnosing and treating GC-AI, a condition affecting at least 1% of the global population. The guideline aims to improve patient care and outcomes worldwide.

Postpartum depression after adolescent stress shows a dysregulated HPA axis: a cross-species translational study

Researchers found a correlation between prolonged postdelivery elevation of corticosterone and behavioral changes in postpartum mice who experienced social isolation in adolescence. A novel treatment using a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist shows promise in blocking behavioral changes.

New insight into combatting drug-resistant prostate cancer

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have identified coregulator proteins as an alternative target to prevent drug resistance in prostate cancer. By inhibiting these proteins, the growth of drug-resistant cancer cells can be inhibited, and the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor can be limited.

How the body switches out of “fight” mode

Researchers have explored the molecular mechanism of action of glucocorticoids, finding that they reprogram immune cell metabolism to activate natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The discovery could lead to development of new anti-inflammatory agents with fewer side effects.

Sudden hearing loss: high-dose therapy does not lead to better outcomes than the standard treatment

A large-scale German-wide randomized controlled trial found that high-dose therapy with glucocorticoids is not more effective than standard treatment for sudden hearing loss. However, it was associated with a higher risk of side effects. Several hundred thousand people worldwide suffer from sudden hearing loss each year.

Why we don’t all develop posttraumatic stress disorder

A new study finds that individuals with PTSD symptoms exhibit a blunted responsiveness to cortisol, leading to impaired fear extinction and other biological alterations. Researchers used a genetically selected rat model to demonstrate the causal link between low glucocorticoid levels and PTSD vulnerability.

Breakthrough for ‘neglected’ rheumatic condition

A year-long clinical trial found sustained remission of polymyalgia rheumatica in 28% of patients taking sarilumab, compared to 10% of those on placebo. The treatment showed promise in reducing relapse and improving outcomes for patients tapering their steroid medication.

Social determinants of health contribute to higher CVD mortality rates in Black persons

A large US study found that social determinants of health are a major factor contributing to higher cardiovascular disease mortality rates in Black individuals compared to Whites. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 adults and found significant associations between social factors such as unemployment and food insecurity with CVD m...

Atypical infections in chronic sinusitis: thinking outside the box

Researchers discuss treatment refractory forms of chronic sinusitis, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary diagnostics and therapy. Fungal infections are a rare cause, yet crucial to consider when treating this condition.

How popular steroids could mess up some cancer treatments

Researchers found that patients producing high levels of Cystatin C, a protein linked to immune system suppression, had worse survival rates and were less likely to benefit from immunotherapy. This suggests that Cystatin C may play a role in the failure of cancer immunotherapy.

Stress hormone measured in hair predicts who is likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases

Researchers analyzed cortisol and cortisone levels in over 6,300 individuals to find a strong link between long-term hair cortisone levels and future cardiovascular disease. People with higher cortisone levels were twice as likely to experience a cardiovascular event, especially those aged 57 or younger.

New FRAXplus® (Beta version) illustrates potential of refined risk factor information entered to the world’s most widely used fracture risk assessment tool

The new FRAXplus beta version offers a more user-friendly platform to refine risk factor information, allowing clinicians to explore the impact on individual patients. The tool provides helpful features such as saved data and export options to facilitate sharing.

How does glucocorticoid therapy affect the developing cardiovascular system during pregnancy?

Researchers investigated the cardiovascular effects of glucocorticoids on chicken embryos, finding that Betamethasone (Beta) caused more severe growth restriction, cellular stress, and cardiac dysfunction compared to Dexamethasone (Dex). Dex triggered oxidative stress, while Beta sustained glucocorticoid receptor activation

Aging | Telomere shortening linked to depression and cognitive impairment in older adults

Researchers discovered that telomere shortening is associated with early subjective depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints among healthy elderly individuals. The study also found a link between telomere shortening and increased interleukin-6 levels.

Combined steroid and statin treatment could reduce ‘accelerated ageing’ in preterm babies, study in rats suggests

Preterm birth increases the risk of cardiovascular problems; combining steroids with statins could eliminate negative effects while retaining respiratory benefits. Researchers found that combined therapy improved lung function and reduced cardiovascular issues in rat pups.

Do hormone fluctuations increase survival probabilities?

Great tits with higher glucocorticoid levels in cold weather have better heat production capabilities, increasing their survival chances.

Steroid meds linked to structural and volume changes in brain white and grey matter

A large study found associations between steroid use and structural changes in brain white and grey matter, which may explain neuropsychiatric side effects. Steroid use was associated with reduced white matter structure and altered brain structures involved in cognitive and emotional processing.

Circadian clocks play a key role in fat cell growth

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that disrupting circadian clocks leads to increased fat cell growth and insulin production. Stress and other factors can throw the body's 'clocks' out of rhythm, contributing to weight gain.

Heart attack: A key heart-repair hormone has been discovered

Researchers identified glucocorticoids as a key factor inhibiting cardiac regenerative capacity after heart attacks. The study showed that deleting or blocking the glucocorticoid receptor increased heart muscle cell replication and regeneration.

Hair-raising research: Salk scientists find surprising link between immune system, hair growth

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified an unexpected molecular target of a common treatment for alopecia, a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles. They found that glucocorticoid hormones instruct regulatory T cells to activate hair follicle stem cells, leading to hair growth and regeneration.

Substudy of ADVOCATE trial for ANCA-associated vasculitis finds avacopan reduces need for glucocorticoids, respiratory and ENT involvement

The substudy of the ADVOCATE trial found avacopan reduced glucocorticoid use by 86% in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients with respiratory and ENT involvement, while also showing superiority in remission compared to prednisone.

Smoke exposure in the early stages of life alters sleep patterns in adults

Researchers found that prenatal exposure to nicotine and its by-products produces long-term effects on sleep and stress-response in mice. This early-life exposure can lead to alterations in the hippocampus, a sensitive structure that develops after birth.

New: COVAX results

A registry study found that people with inflammatory RMDs, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, tolerate their COVID vaccine well, with short-lived reactions being the most common side effect. The majority of participants were able to continue on their normal medication with no changes.

New target may help protect bones as we age

Researchers have found that blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, a key factor in bone health, may help protect against bone loss and osteoporosis. This new target is thought to be more effective than previously believed logical targets, such as reducing glucocorticoid receptor activity.

‘Fight or flight’ – unless internal clocks are disrupted, study in mice shows

Research in mice reveals that coordinated clock-gene and neuronal activity rhythms are necessary for daily hormone release, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) working together to generate circadian rhythms. Disruption of these clocks can lead to various pathologies.

Live shingles vaccine shows safe, short-term efficacy for persons taking TNFis for inflammatory diseases

A randomized controlled trial found the live shingles vaccine to be safe and effective in preventing shingles in immunosuppressed patients taking TNFis. The vaccine showed robust immunogenicity responses, but variable cell-mediated responses that may require booster vaccinations.

Increased risk of heart disease may be linked to your stress hormone sensitivity

Research suggests that people sensitive to stress hormones are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, with markers indicating increased risk of stroke and heart attack. A novel proteomic signature may help identify these individuals and inform stress management strategies.

COVID-19 vaccine elicits antibodies in 90% taking immunosuppressants

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination elicited a response in nearly nine out of ten people with weakened immune systems. However, the responses were only about one-third as strong as those mounted by healthy people. Despite this, the discovery is encouraging news for a population at hig...

New study may offer treatment guidance for MIS-C

A new study has found that treating children and adolescents with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and glucocorticoids reduces the risk of serious short-term outcomes, including cardiovascular dysfunction. The study analyzed data from over 596 patients and showed a significan...

Study provides MIS-C treatment guidance

A study found that initial treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) plus glucocorticoids in children with Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular dysfunction. This is compared to IVIG alone, where left ventricular dysfunction occurred in 17% of patients.

Male hormones regulate stomach inflammation in mice

Scientists found that male sex hormones prevent stomach inflammation by suppressing immune cells, while females lack this protection. The study suggests treating males with stomach inflammation differently than females.

All gas, no brakes: Testosterone may act as 'brake pedal' on immune response

A new study by West Virginia University researcher Jonathan Busada found that testosterone can help regulate the immune response and prevent stomach inflammation. The study suggests that androgens may act as a 'brake pedal' on the immune system, protecting men from chronic inflammatory diseases such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosi...

New grant-funded research could help improve therapies for sepsis

Researchers aim to identify adrenal insufficiency in sepsis patients before glucocorticoid therapy. The study's findings suggest that supplementing glucocorticoids may not be necessary or beneficial for all patients, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

Chronic stress may reduce lifespan in wild baboons, according to new multi-decadal study

A new multi-decadal study involving 242 wild female baboons found evidence to support chronic stress as a significant factor affecting survival. High stress levels throughout adult life were linked to shorter lifespans, with females experiencing a loss of 5.4 years of life compared to those with lower stress responses.

Stress and death in female baboons

A new study has found that female baboons with high levels of glucocorticoids, a hormone involved in the 'fight or flight' response, have a greater risk of dying. The research, which analyzed data from over 20 years, showed that females with higher levels of glucocorticoids tend to die younger than those with lower levels.

Toward safer steroids: Scientists devise method for improving safety of drug used to treat COVID-19, autoimmune disorders and more

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute devised a method to separate beneficial anti-inflammatory properties from unwanted side effects in glucocorticoid drugs. Two new compounds show steroidal anti-inflammatory action with specific traits, including boosting muscle supply and reducing risk of muscle-wasting.

Patients receiving low dose steroid at increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Researchers analyzed data from over 87,000 patients with inflammatory diseases and found that even low doses of glucocorticoids nearly doubled the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that long-term steroid treatment should be personalized and monitored for cardiovascular risks.

Glucocorticoids associated with increased risk for infection, even at low doses

Researchers found that glucocorticoid therapy, even at low doses (5mg/day or less), significantly increases the risk of serious infections in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The study used claims data from over 200,000 patients with RA to show a 30% increase in infection risk among those on low-dose glucocorticoids.

Biomarker predicts who will have severe COVID-19

Researchers identified key markers that can pinpoint patients at risk of severe COVID-19, associating neutrophil cells and glucocorticoid receptors with disease severity. This finding could lead to personalized treatment approaches for patients with reduced glucocorticoid receptor expression.