11β-HSD1 Inhibitors Research Articles

Glycyrrhizic acid and patchouli alcohol in Huoxiang Zhengqi attenuate intestinal inflammation and barrier injury via regulating endogenous corticosterone metabolism mediated by 11β-HSD1.

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, has become a significant public health challenge due to the limited effectiveness of available therapies. Huoxiang Zhengqi (HXZQ), a well-established traditional Chinese formula, shows potential in managing UC, as suggested by clinical and pharmacological studies. However, the active components and mechanisms responsible for its effects remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the bioactive components of HXZQ responsible for its therapeutic effects on UC and to elucidate their underlying mechanisms. The effect of HXZQ against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) -induced colitis was investigated. Ingredients in HXZQ were characterized and analyzed in colitic mice using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In vitro, biological activity of compounds was assessed using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Ana-1 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced Caco-2 cells, and isolated intestinal crypts from colitic mice. These results were confirmed in vivo. The targets of the components were identified through bioinformatics analysis and validated via molecular docking, enzyme inhibition assays, and in vivo experiments. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were employed to confirm the pharmaceutical effects. A clinical equivalent dose of HXZQ (2.5 mL/kg) effectively treated DSS-induced colitis. 113 compounds were identified in HXZQ, with 35 compounds detected in colitic mice. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and patchouli alcohol (PA) emerged as key contributors to the anti-colitic effects of HXZQ. Further investigation revealed that HXZQ and its active components decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in colon, likely by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. This inhibition indirectly activated the intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling pathway, correcting bile acid imbalances caused by colitis. Additionally, these components significantly enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, as well as the adhesion protein E-cadherin, and reduced goblet cell loss, thereby repairing intestinal barrier injury. Mechanistically, GA and PA were found to inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) activity, leading to increased local active corticosterone levels in the intestine to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Notably, the inhibition of 11β-HSD1 with the selective inhibitor BVT ameliorated colitis in mice. HXZQ exhibits therapeutic effects on UC, primarily through GA and PA inhibiting 11β-HSD1. This suggests new natural therapy approaches for UC and positions 11β-HSD1 as a potential target for colitis treatment.

Targeting osteoblastic 11β-HSD1 to combat high-fat diet-induced bone loss and obesity

Excessive glucocorticoid (GC) action is linked to various metabolic disorders. Recent findings suggest that disrupting skeletal GC signaling prevents bone loss and alleviates metabolic disorders in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice, underpinning the neglected contribution of skeletal GC action to obesity and related bone loss. Here, we show that the elevated expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), the enzyme driving local GC activation, and GC signaling in osteoblasts, are associated with bone loss and obesity in HFD-fed male mice. Osteoblast-specific 11β-HSD1 knockout male mice exhibit resistance to HFD-induced bone loss and metabolic disorders. Mechanistically, elevated 11β-HSD1 restrains glucose uptake and osteogenic activity in osteoblast. Pharmacologically inhibiting osteoblastic 11β-HSD1 by using bone-targeted 11β-HSD1 inhibitor markedly promotes bone formation, ameliorates glucose handling and mitigated obesity in HFD-fed male mice. Taken together, our study demonstrates that osteoblastic 11β-HSD1 directly contributes to HFD-induced bone loss, glucose handling impairment and obesity.

Blockade of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 ameliorates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and fibrosis

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is a key enzyme involved in the conversion of cortisone to active cortisol in the liver. Elevated cortisol levels can trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocyte damage, highlighting the importance of 11β-HSD1 inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach. This study aimed to explore the effects of INU-101, an inhibitor of 11β-HSD1, on the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and fibrosis. Our findings demonstrated that INU-101 effectively mitigated cortisol-induced lipid accumulation, reactive oxygen species generation, and hepatocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, 11β-HSD1 inhibition suppressed hepatic stellate cell activation by modulating β-catenin and phosphorylated SMAD2/3. INU-101 administration significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and liver fibrosis in mice fed fast-food diet. This study suggests that INU-101 holds promise as a clinical candidate for treating MASLD and fibrosis, offering potential therapeutic benefits by targeting the intricate processes involving 11β-HSD1 and cortisol regulation in the liver.

Regulation of 11β-HSD1 reductase and the HPA axis by long-snake moxibustion in kidney-yang deficiency rats

BackgroundLong-snake moxibustion can improve hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in patients with kidney-yang deficiency (KYDS). 11β-HSD1 controls the HPA axis by boosting CORT production via reductase activity. However, the interaction and mechanism of long snake moxibustion and 11β-HSD1 remain unknown. This study examined the impact of lengthy snake moxibustion on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in KYDS rats. The potential significance of 11β-HSD1 in this process was explored. MethodsRats were randomly divided into two groups: the blank group and the experimental group. The KYDS model was established with an intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone. Rats were randomly assigned to four groups: model, sham intervention, long snake moxibustion, and long snake moxibustion plus 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. Physical indicators included body weight, toe temperature, rectal temperature, and spontaneous movement. The serum levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and CORT were measured. Immunohistochemical examination reveals 11β-HSD1 protein expression in the liver. Western blotting (WB) detected the levels of 11β-HSD1, H6PDH and NADPH/NADP + protein in the liver. ResultsThe experimental rats' body weight, toe temperature, rectal temperature, time and frequency of spontaneous activity all dropped, as did their serum ACTH, CORT, and CRH levels. The protein expressions of 11β-HSD1, H6PDH, and NADPH/NADP+ in the liver decreased significantly. Long-snake moxibustion improved HPA axis function in rats, boosting expression of 11β-HSD1, H6PDH, and NADPH/NADP+. Adding an 11β-HSD1 inhibitor to Long-snake moxibustion decreased its effect on the HPA axis. ConclusionLong-snake moxibustion improves KYDS symptoms in rats by increasing 11β-HSD1 expression and reductase activity, which regulates the HPA axis.

Abstract Mo040: Enhanced neovascularisation does not account for preservation of cardiac function by 11βHSD1 inhibition in a pig model of myocardial infarction

While acute post-myocardial infarction (MI) survival has improved thanks to early intervention, the myocardium still sustains damage that increases the risk of heart failure. Adrenal glucocorticoids (GCs) protect cardiomyocytes immediately after MI, but inhibition of GC regeneration within the heart by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11βHSD1) during infarct repair prevents subsequent deterioration of ventricular structure and function. In the 11βHSD1-knockout mouse this outcome is associated with enhancement of peri-infarct neovascularisation and prevention of infarct expansion. Here, we tested the hypothesis that pharmacological 11βHSD1 inhibition after MI can preserve function in a translational pig model and investigated the role of neovascularisation. MI was induced in female minipigs via temporary coronary occlusion. A standard clinical therapy (SCT, n =9) group received statin, anti-platelet, βadrenoreceptor antagonist and ACE inhibitor immediatley after MI, and a 11βHSD1i group (n=11) received SCT +11βHSD1 inhibitor (50mg/kg) from 48h after MI until the end of the study. Prior to 11βHSD1i treatment, short-axis cine and late gadolinium-enhanced MRI showed no difference in either infarct mass (4.2±0.4g SCT vs 4.0±0.6g 11βHSD1i) or ejection fraction (EF; 60.6±2.9% SCT vs 56.6±1.8% 11βHSD1i). However, by 28 days after MI, while EF was reduced in SCT pigs to 48±4%, it was maintained in pigs given additional 11βHSD1i treatment (57.9±1.8%, p <0.05 vs SCT). Infarct mass did not differ between the two treatments, suggesting that inhibition of infarct expansion did not account for the improvement in function, this was confirmed by a similar area of infarct collagen in histological analysis. Angiogenesis, represented by an increase in CD31 +ve capillaries, was not enhanced in the infarct or the border zone (BZ) after 11βHSD1i treatment, relative to SCT. While vessel maturation (αSMA +ve vessels) was improved in the infarct compared to the remote myocardium, there was no difference between the two groups. Proteomic pathway analysis of the BZ indicated extracellular matrix organisation as the main pathway regulated by 11βHSD1i compared to SCT. In conclusion, 11βHSD1i after MI successfully preserves cardiac function and structure but the mechanism is independent of scar size reduction or enhanced neovascularisation. Instead, the beneficial effects of 11βHSD1i are likely to result from favourable regulation of collagen processing during scar formation.

Resveratrol analogues and metabolites selectively inhibit human and rat 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 as the therapeutic drugs: structure–activity relationship and molecular dynamics analysis

ABSTRACT Resveratrol is converted to various metabolites by gut microbiota. Human and rat liver 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) are critical for glucocorticoid activation, while 11β-HSD2 in the kidney does the opposite reaction. It is still uncertain whether resveratrol and its analogues selectively inhibit 11β-HSD1. In this study, the inhibitory strength, mode of action, structure–activity relationship (SAR), and docking analysis of resveratrol analogues on human, rat, and mouse 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2 were performed. The inhibitory strength of these chemicals on human 11β-HSD1 was dihydropinosylvin (6.91 μM) > lunularin (45.44 μM) > pinostilbene (46.82 μM) > resveratrol (171.1 μM) > pinosylvin (193.8 μM) > others. The inhibitory strength of inhibiting rat 11β-HSD1 was pinostilbene (9.67 μM) > lunularin (17.39 μM) > dihydropinosylvin (19.83 μM) > dihydroresveratrol (23.07 μM) > dihydroxystilbene (27.84 μM) > others and dihydropinosylvin (85.09 μM) and pinostilbene (>100 μM) inhibited mouse 11β-HSD1. All chemicals did not inhibit human, rat, and mouse 11β-HSD2. It was found that dihydropinosylvin, lunularin, and pinostilbene were competitive inhibitors of human 11β-HSD1 and that pinostilbene, lunularin, dihydropinosylvin, dihydropinosylvin and dihydroxystilbene were mixed inhibitors of rat 11β-HSD1. Docking analysis showed that they bind to the steroid-binding site of human and rat 11β-HSD1. In conclusion, resveratrol and its analogues can selectively inhibit human and rat 11β-HSD1, and mouse 11β-HSD1 is insensitive to the inhibition of resveratrol analogues.

Characterizing the Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of BI 187004, an 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibitor, in Humans by a Target-Mediated Drug Disposition Model.

BI 187004, a selective small-molecule inhibitor of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (11β-HSD1), displayed complex nonlinear pharmacokinetics (PK) in humans. Following nine single oral doses, BI 187004 exhibited nonlinear PK at low doses and linear PK at higher doses. Notably, substantial hepatic 11β-HSD1 inhibition (50%) was detected in a very low-dose group, achieving a consistent 70% hepatic enzyme inhibition in subsequent ascending doses without any dose-dependent effects. The unusual PK and PD profiles of BI 187004 suggest the presence of pharmacological target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD), arising from the saturable binding of BI 187004 compound to its high-affinity and low-capacity target 11β-HSD1. The non-intuitive dose, exposure, and response relationship for BI 187004 pose a significant challenge in rational dose selection. This study aimed to construct a TMDD model to explain the complex nonlinear PK behavior and underscore the importance of recognizing TMDD in this small-molecule compound. Among the various models explored, the best model was a two-compartment TMDD model with three transit absorption components. The final model provides insights into 11β-HSD1 binding-related parameters for BI 187004, including the total amount of 11β-HSD1 in the liver (estimated to be 8000 nmol), the second order association rate constant (estimated to be 0.102 nM-1h-1), and the first-order dissociation rate constant (estimated to be 0.11h-1). Our final population PK model successfully characterized the intricate nonlinear PK of BI 187004 across a wide dose range. This modeling work serves as a valuable reference for the rational selection of the dose regimens for BI 187004's future clinical trials.

Photocatalytic Sulfonyl Peroxidation of Alkenes via Deamination of N-Sulfonyl Ketimines.

A photocatalytic three-component sulfonyl peroxidation of alkenes with N-sulfonyl ketimines and tert-butyl hydroperoxide is reported. The reaction takes place via the photoinduced EnT process, which allows the efficient synthesis of a variety of β-peroxyl sulfones under mild reaction conditions in the absence of a transition metal catalyst. The downstream derivatizations of the peroxides were also performed. Furthermore, the utility of this protocol was manifested by the synthesis of 11β-HSD1 inhibitor and the antiprostate cancer drug bicalutamide.

Imaging a putative marker of brain cortisol regulation in alcohol use disorder

BackgroundStress is a potent activator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, initiating the release of glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol. Alcohol consumption can lead to HPA axis dysfunction, including altered cortisol levels. Until recently, research has only been able to examine peripheral cortisol associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in humans. We used positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging with the radiotracer [18F]AS2471907 to measure 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), a cortisol-regenerating enzyme, in people with AUD compared to healthy controls. MethodsWe imaged 9 individuals with moderate to severe AUD (5 men, 4 women; mean age = 38 years) and 12 healthy controls (8 men, 4 women; mean age = 29 years). Participants received 93.5 ± 15.6 MBq of the 11β-HSD1 inhibitor radiotracer [18F]AS2471907 as a bolus injection and were imaged for 150–180 min on the High-Resolution Research Tomograph. 11β-HSD1 availability was quantified by [18F]AS2471907 volume of distribution (VT; mL/cm3). A priori regions of interest included amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), hippocampus, ventromedial PFC (vmPFC) and caudate. ResultsIndividuals with AUD consumed 52.4 drinks/week with 5.8 drinking days/week. Healthy controls consumed 2.8 drinks/week with 1.3 drinking days/week. Preliminary findings suggest that [18F]AS2471907 VT was higher in amygdala, ACC, hippocampus, vmPFC, and caudate of those with AUD compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). In AUD, vmPFC [18F]AS2471907 VT was associated with drinks per week (r = 0.81, p = 0.01) and quantity per drinking episode (r = 0.75, p = 0.02). ConclusionsThis is the first in vivo examination of 11β-HSD1 availability in individuals with AUD. Our data suggest higher brain availability of the cortisol-regenerating enzyme 11β-HSD1 in people with AUD (vs. controls), and that higher vmPFC 11β-HSD1 availability is related to greater alcohol consumption. Thus, in addition to the literature suggesting that people with AUD have elevated peripheral cortisol, our findings suggest there may also be heightened central HPA activity. These findings set the foundation for future hypotheses on mechanisms related to HPA axis function in this population.

Halogenated bisphenol A derivatives potently inhibit human and rat 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1: Structure-activity relationship and molecular docking.

Chlorinated bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives are formed during chlorination process of drinking water, whereas bisphenol S (BPS) and brominated BPA and BPS (TBBPA and TBBPS) were synthesized for many industrial uses such as fire retardants. However, the effect of halogenated BPA and BPS derivatives on glucocorticoid metabolizing enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) remains unclear. The inhibitory effects of 6 BPA derivatives in the inhibition of human and rat 11β-HSD1 were investigated. The potencies for inhibition on human 11β-HSD1 were TBBPA (IC50, 3.87 μM) = monochloro BPA (MCBPA, 4.08 μM) = trichloro BPA (TrCBPA, 4.41 μM) > tetrachloro BPA (TCBPA, 9.75 μM) > TBBPS (>100 μM) = BPS (>100 μM), and those for rat 11β-HSD1 were TrCBPA (IC50, 2.76 μM) = MCBPA (3.75 μM) > TBBPA (39.58 μM) > TCBPA = TBBPS = BPS. All these BPA derivatives are mixed/competitive inhibitors of both human and rat enzymes. Molecular docking studies predict that MCBPA, TrCBPA, TCBPA, and TBBPA all bind to the active site of human 11β-HSD1, forming hydrogen bonds with catalytic residue Ser170 except TCBPA. Regression of the lowest binding energy with IC50 values revealed a significant inverse linear regression. In conclusion, halogenated BPA derivatives are mostly potent inhibitors of human and rat 11β-HSD1, and there is structure-dependent inhibition.

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and the brain: Not (yet) lost in translation.

11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs) catalyse the conversion of active 11-hydroxy glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone) and their inert 11-keto forms (cortisone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone). They were first reported in the body and brain 70 years ago, but only recently have they become of interest. 11β-HSD2 is a dehydrogenase, potently inactivating glucocorticoids. In the kidney, 11β-HSD2 generates the aldosterone-specificity of intrinsically non-selective mineralocorticoid receptors. 11β-HSD2 also protects the developing foetal brain and body from premature glucocorticoid exposure, which otherwise engenders the programming of neuropsychiatric and cardio-metabolic disease risks. In the adult CNS, 11β-HSD2 is confined to a part of the brain stem where it generates aldosterone-specific central control of salt appetite and perhaps blood pressure. 11β-HSD1 is a reductase, amplifying active glucocorticoid levels within brain cells, notably in the cortex, hippocampus and amygdala, paralleling its metabolic functions in peripheral tissues. 11β-HSD1 is elevated in the ageing rodent and, less certainly, human forebrain. Transgenic models show this rise contributes to age-related cognitive decline, at least in mice. 11β-HSD1 inhibition robustly improves memory in healthy and pathological ageing rodent models and is showing initial promising results in phase II studies of healthy elderly people. Larger trials are needed to confirm and clarify the magnitude of effect and define target populations. The next decade will be crucial in determining how this tale ends - in new treatments or disappointment.

Identification of a human blood biomarker of pharmacological 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 inhibition.

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (11β-HSD1) catalyses the oxoreduction of cortisone to cortisol, amplifying levels of active glucocorticoids. It is a pharmaceutical target in metabolic disease and cognitive impairments. 11β-HSD1 also converts some 7oxo-steroids to their 7β-hydroxy forms. A recent study in mice described the ratio of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)/tauro-7oxolithocholic acid (T7oxoLCA) as a biomarker for decreased 11β-HSD1 activity. The present study evaluates the equivalent bile acid ratio of glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA)/glyco-7oxolithocholic acid (G7oxoLCA) as a biomarker for pharmacological 11β-HSD1 inhibition in humans and compares it with the currently applied urinary (5α-tetrahydrocortisol + tetrahydrocortisol)/tetrahydrocortisone ((5αTHF + THF)/THE) ratio. Bile acid profiles were analysed by ultra-HPLC tandem-MS in blood samples from two independent, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies of the orally administered selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitor AZD4017. The blood GUDCA/G7oxoLCA ratio was compared with the urinary tetrahydro-glucocorticoid ratio for ability to detect 11β-HSD1 inhibition. No significant alterations were observed in bile acid profiles following 11β-HSD1 inhibition by AZD4017, except for an increase of the secondary bile acid G7oxoLCA. The enzyme product/substrate ratio GUDCA/G7oxoLCA was found to be more reliable to detect 11β-HSD1 inhibition than the absolute G7oxoLCA concentration in both cohorts. Comparison of the blood GUDCA/G7oxoLCA ratio with the urinary (5αTHF + THF)/THE ratio revealed that both successfully detect 11β-HSD1 inhibition. 11β-HSD1 inhibition does not cause major alterations in bile acid homeostasis. The GUDCA/G7oxoLCA ratio represents the first blood biomarker of pharmacological 11β-HSD1 inhibition and may replace or complement the urinary (5αTHF + THF)/THE ratio biomarker.

THU481 Glucocorticoid Regeneration By Tumor Cells Promotes Growth By Enhancing Regulatory T Cell Immunosuppression

Abstract Disclosure: M.D. Taves: None. S. Otsuka: None. M.A. Taylor: None. K.M. Donahue: None. J.D. Ashwell: None. Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones with potent immunosuppressive properties. Their primary source is the adrenals, where they are generated via de novo synthesis from cholesterol. In addition, many tissues have a recycling pathway in which glucocorticoids are regenerated from inactive metabolites by the enzyme 11β-HSD1 (encoded by Hsd11b1). We found that multiple tumor types express Hsd11b1 and produce active glucocorticoids. Genetic ablation of Hsd11b1 in such cells had no effect on in vitro growth but reduced in vivo tumor progression, which corresponded to increased frequencies of tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T cells expression activation markers and producing effector cytokines. Tumor-derived glucocorticoids upregulated tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cell (Treg) expression of miRNA-342 and downregulated the mTORC2 component Rictor, enhancing Treg activity. Indeed, cytotoxic T cell activation was restored and tumor growth reduced in mice with Treg-specific glucocorticoid receptor deficiency. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of 11β-HSD1 reduced tumor growth to the same degree as gene knockout, and rendered immunotherapy-resistant tumors susceptible to immune checkpoint blockade. Given that HSD11B1 is upregulated in many human tumors and that inhibition of 11β-HSD1 is well-tolerated in clinical studies, these data suggest that targeting 11β-HSD1 may be a beneficial adjunct in cancer therapy. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

SAT276 Glucocorticoid Excess Elevates Metabolic Rate Via A 11b-HSD1 Dependent Mechanism In C57BL/6J Mice

Abstract Disclosure: S. Heaselgrave: None. S. Heising: None. S.A. Morgan: None. A. Kabli: None. M. Sagmeister: None. C. Doig: None. R.S. Hardy: None. N.M. Morton: None. K. Tsintzas: None. G.G. Lavery: None. Introduction: Glucocorticoids are vital metabolic regulators. However, glucocorticoid excess (GE) causes severe metabolic dysfunction, ultimately leading to Cushing’s Syndrome. This dysfunction is often dependent on the presence of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). Whether GE also alters metabolic rate, and whether this is also dependent on 11β-HSD1, remains unclear and merits investigation in a mouse model of GE and 11β-HSD1 inhibition. Methods: Male and female wild type (WT) C57BL/6J and 11β-HSD1KO mice were treated with corticosterone or vehicle control ad libitum via drinking water for 3 weeks whilst being fed a standard chow diet (n=12). Mice were housed in a TSE Phenomaster system for the final week of treatment for comprehensive metabolic assessment. Results: Corticosterone treatment in WT mice resulted in a phenotype typical of GE, however female mice experienced greater fat accumulation and bodyweight gain compared to males. 11β-HSD1KO mice did not experience this phenotype. Corticosterone treatment elevated energy expenditure (EE) in female WT mice during the day alone (25±5.9%). Male WT mice did not experience a significant increase. Corticosterone did significantly elevate the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) towards 1 in both male (10.7±5.7%) and female (11.8±7.0%) WT mice during the day. RER remained elevated in female WT mice (7.6±4.8%) and moderately so in male WT mice (3.2±2.6%) at night, indicating a continued suppression of lipid oxidation in favour of carbohydrate oxidation. Activity, assessed in female WT mice only, was continually decreased by corticosterone treatment (-53.1±54.8%). Corticosterone treated WT mice became hyperphagic and polydipsic, continuously eating and drinking more than controls. Male and female 11β-HSD1KO mice treated with corticosterone did not experience these effects. Conclusion: These findings provide further insights into the metabolic consequences of GE as well as the dependency on 11β-HSD1 to facilitate them. Whilst elevations are seen in both male and female WT mice, they are greater in females. Activity is decreased meaning it is not responsible for the elevations. However, hyperphagia and the subsequent chemical energy cost of de novo lipogenesis might be responsible and merits further investigation. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Tumors produce glucocorticoids by metabolite recycling, not synthesis, and activate Tregs to promote growth.

Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones with potent immunosuppressive properties. Their primary source is the adrenals, where they are generated via de novo synthesis from cholesterol. In addition, many tissues have a recycling pathway in which glucocorticoids are regenerated from inactive metabolites by the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1, encoded by Hsd11b1). Here, we find that multiple tumor types express Hsd11b1 and produce active glucocorticoids. Genetic ablation of Hsd11b1 in such cells had no effect on in vitro growth, but reduced in vivo tumor progression, which corresponded with increased frequencies of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) expressing activation markers and producing effector cytokines. Tumor-derived glucocorticoids were found to promote signatures of Treg activation and suppress signatures of conventional T cell activation in tumor-infiltrating Tregs. Indeed, CD8+ T cell activation was restored and tumor growth reduced in mice with Treg-specific glucocorticoid receptor deficiency. Importantly, pharmacologic inhibition of 11β-HSD1 reduced tumor growth to the same degree as gene knockout and rendered immunotherapy-resistant tumors susceptible to PD-1 blockade. Given that HSD11B1 expression is upregulated in many human tumors and that inhibition of 11β-HSD1 is well tolerated in clinical studies, these data suggest that targeting 11β-HSD1 may be a beneficial adjunct in cancer therapy.

Bisphenol A Analogues Inhibit Human and Rat 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 1 Depending on Its Lipophilicity.

Bisphenol A (BPA) analogues substituted on the benzene ring are widely used in a variety of industrial and consumer materials. However, their effects on the glucocorticoid-metabolizing enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) remain unclear. The inhibitory effects of 6 BPA analogues on the inhibition of human and rat 11β-HSD1 were investigated. The potencies of inhibition on human 11β-HSD1 were bisphenol H (IC50, 0.75 µM) > bisphenol G (IC50, 5.06 µM) > diallyl bisphenol A (IC50, 13.36 µM) > dimethyl bisphenol A (IC50, 30.18 µM) > bisphenol A dimethyl ether (IC50, 33.08 µM) > tetramethyl bisphenol A (>100 µM). The inhibitory strength of these chemicals on rat 11β-HSD1 was much weaker than that on the human enzyme, ranging from 74.22 to 205.7 µM. All BPA analogues are mixed/competitive inhibitors of both human and rat enzymes. Molecular docking studies predict that bisphenol H and bisphenol G both bind to the active site of human 11β-HSD1, forming a hydrogen bond with catalytic residue Ser170. The bivariate correlation of IC50 values with LogP (lipophilicity), molecular weight, heavy atoms, and molecular volume revealed a significant inverse regression and the correlation of IC50 values with ΔG (low binding energy) revealed a positive regression. In conclusion, the lipophilicity, molecular weight, heavy atoms, molecular volume, and binding affinity of a BPA analogue determine the inhibitory strength of human and rat 11β-HSD isoforms.

Hyperglycemia-activated 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 increases endoplasmic reticulum stress and skin barrier dysfunction

The diabetes mellitus (DM) skin shows skin barrier dysfunction and skin lipid abnormality, similar to conditions induced by systemic or local glucocorticoid excess and aged skin. Inactive glucocorticoid (GC) is converted into active glucocorticoid by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). Hyperglycemia in DM and excessive GC are known to increase endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We hypothesized that hyperglycemia affects systemic GC homeostasis and that the action of skin 11β-HSD1 and GC contributes to increased ER stress and barrier defects in DM. We compared 11β-HSD1, active GC, and ER stress between hyperglycemic and normoglycemic conditions in normal human keratinocytes and db/db mice. 11β-HSD1 and cortisol increased with time in keratinocyte culture under hyperglycemic conditions. 11β-HSD1 siRNA-transfected cells did not induce cortisol elevation in hyperglycemic condition. The production of 11β-HSD1 and cortisol was suppressed in cell culture treated with an ER stress-inhibitor. The 14-week-old db/db mice showed higher stratum corneum (SC) corticosterone, and skin 11β-HSD1 levels than 8-week-old db/db mice. Topical 11β-HSD1 inhibitor application in db/db mice decreased SC corticosterone levels and improved skin barrier function. Hyperglycemia in DM may affect systemic GC homeostasis, activate skin 11β-HSD1, and induce local GC excess, which increases ER stress and adversely affects skin barrier function.

Triterpenoids with multi-skeletons as 11 β -HSD1 inhibitors from Euphorbia sikkimensis

An exploration for 11β-HSD1 inhibitors from the whole plant of Euphorbia sikkimensis led to the identification of 10 undescribed triterpenoids 1−10, as well as 7 known triterpenoids (11−17). Their structures were determined by a combination of spectrum elucidations, conformational analyses and quantum chemical calculations. (23E)-25-methoxy-eupha-14,23-diene-3β,7α-diol (1) and (23E)-3β-dihydroxy-27-noreupha-7,23-diene-25-one (2) are two rare cases that feature a rearrangement of Me-30 (14 → 8) and a degradation of Me-27, respectively, in the euphane-type triterpenoid family. It is an interesting phenomenon that (23E)-3β-hydroxy-25-methoxy-eupha-8,23-diene-7-one (4) and (23E)-3β-hydroxy-25-methoxy-lanost-8,23-diene-7-one (5) coexist in the same plant, sharing the same planar structure but belonging to different structural types of triterpenoids. Compounds 3−5 and 14 show significant inhibitory activity against 11β-HSD1 with IC50 values of 6.50 ± 0.22, 1.31 ± 0.34, 9.38 ± 0.64, and 8.27 ± 0.33 μM, respectively. The structure-activity relationship study shows that the euphane-type triterpenoids exhibit the best inhibitory activity, which is in accord with the fact of the euphane-type triterpenoids having the best ability to bind to the active pocket of 11β-HSD1 in the molecular docking experiments.

11β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE TYPE 1 KNOCK-OFF PROTECTS AGAINST OVARIECTOMY-INDUCED OSTEOPOROSIS BY INHIBITING OSTEOCLAST ACTIVATION

Osteoporosis is a common problem in postmenopausal women and the elderly. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is a bi-directional enzyme that primarily activates glucocorticoids (GCs) in vivo, which is a considerable potential target as treatment for osteoporosis. Previous studies have demonstrated its effect on osteogenesis, and our study aimed to demonstrate its effect on osteoclast activation.In vivo, we used 11β-HSD1 knock-off (KO) and C57BL6/J mice to undergo the ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis (OVX). In vitro, In vivo, We used 11β-HSD1 knockoff (KO) and C57BL6/J mice to undergo the ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis (OVX). In vitro, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) of KO and C57BL6/J mice were extracted to test their osteogenic and osteoclastic abilities. We then created osteoclastic 11β-HSD1 elimination mice (Ctsk::11β-HSD1fl/fl) and treated them with OVX. Micro-CT analysis, H&amp;E, immunofluorescence staining, and qPCR were performed. Finally, we conducted the high-throughput sequencing to find out 11β-HSD1 and osteoclast activation related genes.We collected 6w samples after modeling. We found that KO mice were resistant to loss of bone trabeculae. The same effect was observed in osteoclastic 11β-HSD1 elimination mice. Meanwhile, BVT-2733, a classic inhibitor of 11β-HSD1, inhibited the osteoclast effect of cells without affecting osteogenic effect in vitro. High-throughput sequencing suggested that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) may play a key role in the activation of osteoclasts, which was verified by immunofluorescence staining and WB in vivo and in vitro.In the process of osteoporosis, 11β-HSD1 expression of osteoclasts is abnormally increased, which may be a new target for inhibiting osteoclast activation and treating osteoporosis.

Abstract 5863: Blockade of tumor glucocorticoid production inhibits Treg function and tumor growth

Abstract Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones with potent immunosuppressive properties. GCs are primary produced from cholesterol in the adrenals via the de novo synthetic pathway. In some tissues, however, there is also a recycling pathway in which the enzyme 11β-HSD1 generates GCs from the inactive metabolites dehydrocorticosterone (rodent) or cortisone (human). Here we find that multiple tumor types produce GCs via 11β-HSD1 in vitro and in vivo. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock out Hsd11b1 in GC-producing tumor cell lines and found that lack of 11β-HSD1 in B16 melanoma, Panc02 pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and MC38 colon carcinoma lines reduced their growth in vivo. Reduced tumor growth corresponded with increased expression of the activation marker CD44 and production of the effector cytokines IFNγ and TNFα by tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells (TILs). Rather than directly suppressing effector cell function, recent findings have suggested that GCs instead act primarily by activating Treg cells, and that these Treg are responsible for inhibition of effector cell function. Consistent with this, we found that tumor-derived GCs upregulate Treg expression of miRNA-342, which downregulates the mTOR component Rictor and activates Treg activity. A role of tumor-derived GCs in enhancing Treg function was demonstrated by inoculating tumor cells into mice with Treg-specific glucocorticoid receptor deficiency (GRFoxp3Cre mice). Notably, growth of tumors was reduced in GRFoxp3Cre mice, along with increased CD8+ TIL activation. Importantly, pharmacologic inhibition of 11β-HSD1 reduced WT tumor growth to the same degree as knockout of 11β-HSD1, and rendered immunotherapy-resistant tumors susceptible to inhibition with anti-PD-1 antibodies. Given that 11β-HSD1 expression is upregulated in many human tumors, these data suggest that its inhibition, which has been accomplished in a number of phase 3 clinical trials for other indications and is well-tolerated, may be beneficial in their treatment. Citation Format: Shizuka Otsuka, Matthew D. Taves, Kaitlynn M. Donahue, Jonathan D. Ashwell. Blockade of tumor glucocorticoid production inhibits Treg function and tumor growth [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5863.