Abstract

The 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isozymes (11β-HSDs) are members of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, a functionally heterogeneous protein family comprising the majority of known hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. The 11β-HSDs are microsomal enzymes catalyzing the inter-conversion of active glucocorticoids (GCs) and their 11-keto counterparts in specific tissues. The chapter discusses the enzymology of the SDR superfamily and 11β-HSD1. The 11β-HSDs are different from most members of the SDR family owing to the presence of one or more amino-terminal transmembrane domains. Selective inhibitors of 11β-HSD1 have potential as treatments for a number of important diseases including type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The chapter describes the biological assays needed to confirm the mechanism of action of a compound and to show that the required target is being inhibited. These assays include in vitro assays, cell-based assays, and in vivo assays. Certain compounds function as inhibitors of 11β-HSD1. Many 11β-HSD inhibitors have been identified from natural compounds and their synthetic analogues. The chapter describes in vivo studies of selected 11β-HSD1 inhibitors and clinical studies on 11β-HSD1 inhibitors. The outcome of current trials on a number of selective inhibitors of 11β-HSD1 is eagerly awaited to assess the potential of this new field to treat disease areas of unmet medical needs.

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