<unk> s (or, less commonly, glucocorticosteroids) are a class of<unk> icosteroids, which are a class of steroid hormones.<unk> s are<unk> icosteroids that bind to the<unk>  receptor that is present in almost every vertebrate animal cell. The name<unk> " is a portmanteau (glucose +<unk> ex + steroid) and is composed from its role in regulation of glucose metabolism, synthesis in the adrenal<unk> ex, and its steroidal structure (see structure below).<unk> s are part of the feedback mechanism in the immune system, which reduces certain aspects of immune function, such as inflammation. They are therefore used in medicine to treat diseases caused by an overactive immune system, such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and sepsis.<unk> s have many diverse (pleiotropic) effects, including potentially harmful side effects, and as a result are rarely sold over the counter. They also interfere with some of the abnormal mechanisms in cancer cells, so they are used in high doses to treat cancer. This includes inhibitory effects on lymphocyte proliferation, as in the treatment of lymphomas and leukemias, and the mitigation of side effects of anticancer drugs.<unk> s affect cells by binding to the<unk>  receptor. The activated<unk>  receptor-glucocorticoid complex up-regulates the expression of anti-inflammatory proteins in the nucleus (a process known as transactivation) and represses the expression of proinflammatory proteins in the cytosol by preventing the translocation of other transcription factors from the cytosol into the nucleus (transrepression).<unk> s are distinguished from mineralocorticoids and sex steroids by their specific receptors, target cells, and effects. In technical terms, "corticosteroid" refers to both<unk> s and mineralocorticoids (as both are mimics of hormones produced by the adrenal<unk> ex), but is often used as a synonym for<unk> ".<unk> s are chiefly produced in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal<unk> ex, whereas mineralocorticoids are synthesized in the zona glomerulosa.<unk> isol (or hydrocortisone) is the most important human<unk> . It is essential for life, and it regulates or supports a variety of important cardiovascular, metabolic, immunologic, and homeostatic functions. Various synthetic<unk> s are available; these are widely utilized in general medical practice and numerous specialties, either as replacement therapy in<unk>  deficiency or to suppress the body's immune system.
Glucocorticoid
Adrenal steroid
Corticosteroid
Antiglucocorticoid
Xenohormone
Anticorticotropin
Phytosteroid
Neurohormone