Corticosteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase (11-beta-HSD) (11-beta-HSD)

Corticosteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase, also known as 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-beta-HSD), is a family of enzymes that catalyze the interconversion of active glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, and their inactive 11-keto metabolites, such as cortisone (Source: UniProt P28845). There are two primary isoforms: Type 1 (11-beta-HSD1), which acts mainly as a reductase to regenerate cortisol in the liver and adipose tissue, and Type 2 (11-beta-HSD2), which acts as a dehydrogenase to inactivate cortisol in the kidney (Source: PubMed PMID: 23510150). This enzymatic activity is essential for regulating local glucocorticoid concentrations and protecting the mineralocorticoid receptor from inappropriate activation by cortisol (Source: StatPearls, 'Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess'). Dysregulation of these enzymes is strongly linked to metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular conditions like hypertension (Source: NIH, PMC3010339). Pharmacological research focuses on selective 11-beta-HSD1 inhibitors to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce adiposity, while non-selective inhibition is associated with electrolyte imbalances (Source: PubChem). These enzymes serve as critical gatekeepers for tissue-specific steroid hormone action.

Other names

11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenaseHSD11BCortisone reductase11-oxoreductase

Inhibition of the enzymatic conversion between active cortisol and inactive cortisone to modulate local glucocorticoid concentrations and prevent inappropriate receptor activation.