The Sound of Evolution
Hydrocortisone
Mechanism of action:
Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid. Hydrocortisone crosses the cell membrane and binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm. After forming a receptor complex, it enters the nucleus and upregulates the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, such as annexin A1, while suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2.
Reference(s):
1. Werumeus Buning J et al. (2017). Pharmacokinetics of oral hydrocortisone – Results and implications from a randomized controlled trial. Metabolism.
2. Aalto-Korte K et al. (1995). Pharmacokinetics of topical hydrocortisone at plasma level after applications once or twice daily in patients with widespread dermatitis. Br J Dermatol.
3. Aalto-Korte K et al. (1995). Quantifying systemic absorption of topical hydrocortisone in erythroderma. Br J Dermatol.