Anthropometrics and metabolic syndrome in relation to glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms in corticosteroid users

Introduction: Corticosteroids are widely prescribed and their use has been linked to adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. A pivotal role in the action of corticosteroids is reserved for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Here, we assessed the relationship of glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity altering GR polymorphisms with anthropometrics and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in corticosteroid users. Methods: In this population-based cohort study (Lifelines) we genotyped 10,621 adult participants for GR hypersensitive (1/2 copies BclI and/or N363S) and GR resistant (1/2 copies ER22/23EK and/or 9β) variants. We assessed the relationship between functional GR polymorphisms with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and MetS in users of corticosteroids. Results: Overall corticosteroid use was associated with a significantly higher BMI and WC in GR wild-type users (BMI: +0.63 kg/m2 [0.09-1.16], P=.022; WC: +2.03 cm [0.61-3.44], P=.005) and GR hypersensitive (BMI: mean differenc e +0.66 kg/m2 [95% CI, 0.31-1.01); WC: +2.06 cm (1.13-2.98), both P
Source: Neuroendocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research