The Sound of Evolution
Methylprednisolone
Mechanism of action:
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid. Methylprednisolone is a lipophilic molecule that can freely cross the cell membrane. After binding to the glucocorticoid receptor in the cytoplasm, it forms a ligand-receptor complex that translocates into the nucleus, where it upregulates the expression of anti-inflammatory genes such as annexin A1 and suppresses the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α.
Reference(s):
1. Szefler SJ et al. (1986). Methylprednisolone versus prednisolone pharmacokinetics in relation to dose in adults. Eur J Clin Pharmacol.
2. Abboud R et al. (2017). Interaction of glucocorticoids and progesterone derivatives with human serum albumin. Chem Phys Lipids.
3. Matabosch X et al. (2013). Urinary profile of methylprednisolone and its metabolites after oral and topical administrations. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol.