Generalized glucocorticoid resistance: Difference between revisions

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== Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance ==
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
[[File:Glucocorticoid_receptor.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the glucocorticoid receptor.]]
| name                    = Generalized glucocorticoid resistance
 
| image                  = [[File:Glucocorticoid_receptor.png|250px]]
| caption                = Glucocorticoid receptor
| synonyms                = Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance, Chrousos syndrome
| field                  = [[Endocrinology]]
| symptoms                = [[Fatigue]], [[hypertension]], [[hypokalemia]], [[hirsutism]], [[irregular menstruation]]
| complications          = [[Adrenal hyperplasia]], [[metabolic syndrome]]
| onset                  = Variable
| duration                = Lifelong
| causes                  = Mutations in the [[glucocorticoid receptor]] gene
| risks                  = Family history
| diagnosis              = [[Genetic testing]], [[hormone level tests]]
| differential            = [[Cushing's syndrome]], [[Addison's disease]]
| treatment              = [[Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists]], [[androgen receptor antagonists]], [[glucocorticoid therapy]]
| medication              = [[Spironolactone]], [[eplerenone]], [[dexamethasone]]
| frequency              = Rare
| deaths                  = Not directly fatal
}}
'''Generalized glucocorticoid resistance''', also known as '''Chrousos syndrome''', is a rare genetic condition characterized by a reduced sensitivity to [[glucocorticoids]], which are steroid hormones involved in the regulation of various physiological processes, including the [[immune response]], [[metabolism]], and [[stress response]]. This condition results from mutations in the [[glucocorticoid receptor]] (GR), which impair the receptor's ability to bind glucocorticoids and mediate their effects.
'''Generalized glucocorticoid resistance''', also known as '''Chrousos syndrome''', is a rare genetic condition characterized by a reduced sensitivity to [[glucocorticoids]], which are steroid hormones involved in the regulation of various physiological processes, including the [[immune response]], [[metabolism]], and [[stress response]]. This condition results from mutations in the [[glucocorticoid receptor]] (GR), which impair the receptor's ability to bind glucocorticoids and mediate their effects.
== Pathophysiology ==
== Pathophysiology ==
The glucocorticoid receptor is a type of [[nuclear receptor]] that, upon binding to glucocorticoids, translocates to the [[cell nucleus]] and regulates the expression of target genes. In individuals with generalized glucocorticoid resistance, mutations in the GR gene lead to a decreased affinity for glucocorticoids or impaired receptor function. This results in a compensatory increase in the production of [[adrenocorticotropic hormone]] (ACTH) and [[cortisol]], as the body attempts to overcome the resistance.
The glucocorticoid receptor is a type of [[nuclear receptor]] that, upon binding to glucocorticoids, translocates to the [[cell nucleus]] and regulates the expression of target genes. In individuals with generalized glucocorticoid resistance, mutations in the GR gene lead to a decreased affinity for glucocorticoids or impaired receptor function. This results in a compensatory increase in the production of [[adrenocorticotropic hormone]] (ACTH) and [[cortisol]], as the body attempts to overcome the resistance.
== Clinical Features ==
== Clinical Features ==
Patients with generalized glucocorticoid resistance may present with a variety of symptoms due to the excess production of ACTH and cortisol. These can include:
Patients with generalized glucocorticoid resistance may present with a variety of symptoms due to the excess production of ACTH and cortisol. These can include:
* [[Hypertension]]
* [[Hypertension]]
* [[Hypokalemia]]
* [[Hypokalemia]]
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* [[Menstrual irregularities]] in females
* [[Menstrual irregularities]] in females
* [[Precocious puberty]] in children
* [[Precocious puberty]] in children
The severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals, depending on the specific mutation and its impact on receptor function.
The severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals, depending on the specific mutation and its impact on receptor function.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of generalized glucocorticoid resistance involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and genetic analysis. Key diagnostic steps include:
Diagnosis of generalized glucocorticoid resistance involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and genetic analysis. Key diagnostic steps include:
* Measurement of serum cortisol and ACTH levels, which are typically elevated.
* Measurement of serum cortisol and ACTH levels, which are typically elevated.
* Assessment of glucocorticoid receptor function through in vitro assays.
* Assessment of glucocorticoid receptor function through in vitro assays.
* Genetic testing to identify mutations in the GR gene.
* Genetic testing to identify mutations in the GR gene.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Management of generalized glucocorticoid resistance focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment strategies may include:
Management of generalized glucocorticoid resistance focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment strategies may include:
* Administration of high doses of synthetic glucocorticoids to overcome receptor resistance.
* Administration of high doses of synthetic glucocorticoids to overcome receptor resistance.
* Use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to manage hypertension and hypokalemia.
* Use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to manage hypertension and hypokalemia.
* Hormonal therapy to address menstrual irregularities and hirsutism.
* Hormonal therapy to address menstrual irregularities and hirsutism.
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for individuals with generalized glucocorticoid resistance varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate management, many patients can lead relatively normal lives, although ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments may be necessary.
The prognosis for individuals with generalized glucocorticoid resistance varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate management, many patients can lead relatively normal lives, although ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments may be necessary.
 
== See Also ==
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Glucocorticoid receptor]]
* [[Glucocorticoid receptor]]
* [[Cortisol]]
* [[Cortisol]]
* [[Adrenocorticotropic hormone]]
* [[Adrenocorticotropic hormone]]
* [[Hypertension]]
* [[Hypertension]]
[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
[[Category:Genetic disorders]]
[[Category:Endocrine diseases]]
[[Category:Endocrine diseases]]

Latest revision as of 03:47, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Generalized glucocorticoid resistance
Synonyms Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance, Chrousos syndrome
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Fatigue, hypertension, hypokalemia, hirsutism, irregular menstruation
Complications Adrenal hyperplasia, metabolic syndrome
Onset Variable
Duration Lifelong
Types N/A
Causes Mutations in the glucocorticoid receptor gene
Risks Family history
Diagnosis Genetic testing, hormone level tests
Differential diagnosis Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease
Prevention N/A
Treatment Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, androgen receptor antagonists, glucocorticoid therapy
Medication Spironolactone, eplerenone, dexamethasone
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Rare
Deaths Not directly fatal


Generalized glucocorticoid resistance, also known as Chrousos syndrome, is a rare genetic condition characterized by a reduced sensitivity to glucocorticoids, which are steroid hormones involved in the regulation of various physiological processes, including the immune response, metabolism, and stress response. This condition results from mutations in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which impair the receptor's ability to bind glucocorticoids and mediate their effects.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The glucocorticoid receptor is a type of nuclear receptor that, upon binding to glucocorticoids, translocates to the cell nucleus and regulates the expression of target genes. In individuals with generalized glucocorticoid resistance, mutations in the GR gene lead to a decreased affinity for glucocorticoids or impaired receptor function. This results in a compensatory increase in the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, as the body attempts to overcome the resistance.

Clinical Features[edit]

Patients with generalized glucocorticoid resistance may present with a variety of symptoms due to the excess production of ACTH and cortisol. These can include:

The severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals, depending on the specific mutation and its impact on receptor function.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of generalized glucocorticoid resistance involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and genetic analysis. Key diagnostic steps include:

  • Measurement of serum cortisol and ACTH levels, which are typically elevated.
  • Assessment of glucocorticoid receptor function through in vitro assays.
  • Genetic testing to identify mutations in the GR gene.

Treatment[edit]

Management of generalized glucocorticoid resistance focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment strategies may include:

  • Administration of high doses of synthetic glucocorticoids to overcome receptor resistance.
  • Use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to manage hypertension and hypokalemia.
  • Hormonal therapy to address menstrual irregularities and hirsutism.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with generalized glucocorticoid resistance varies depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate management, many patients can lead relatively normal lives, although ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments may be necessary.

See Also[edit]