What is the therapeutic use of glucocorticoids?

Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that are crucial in the body's response to stress and possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. Their primary therapeutic use is to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response. This anti-inflammatory effect makes glucocorticoids effective in treating various conditions that involve excessive inflammation, such as arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disorders, and skin conditions.

By inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators, glucocorticoids help in alleviating symptoms such as swelling, redness, and pain associated with inflammatory diseases. They also stabilize cell membranes and help in preventing the release of substances that would normally promote inflammation. This mechanism is the reason why they are widely utilized in clinical settings for conditions that require quick and effective reduction of inflammation.

While glucocorticoids can have effects on blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and influencing insulin sensitivity, their major use is not to lower blood glucose. Similarly, they do not function primarily to increase blood pressure or stimulate the immune response. In fact, glucocorticoids can suppress certain aspects of the immune system, leading to reduced immune function rather than stimulation. Thus, the main therapeutic use of glucocorticoids clearly aligns with their role in reducing inflammation.