11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 as a therapeutic target in the metabolic syndrome
Tomlinson JW., Stewart PM.
The global epidemic of obesity and the metabolic syndrome has focused the need for novel treatments. Here we describe the putative pathogenic role of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), an enzyme that generates active glucocorticoid, cortisol, within liver and adipose tissue. Furthermore, we review the published literature on the development of selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy in light of their emerging role as insulin sensitisers. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.