Inhibition of the cortisol-producing enzyme 11β-HSD1 prevents the development of atherosclerosis and improves the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
Arresting intracellular hormone production helps keep arteries clear, according to a study on
page 517. Hermanowski-Vosatka and colleagues describe a novel chemical inhibitor that blocks the intracellular build up of the hormone cortisol, thereby preventing the development of atherosclerotic plaques in mice. This compound also alleviated multiple symptoms of a common disorder known as metabolic syndrome.As the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes grow, so does the incidence of metabolic syndrome—a disorder characterized by hypertension, insulin resistance, and visceral obesity. These symptoms add up to an elevated risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Although the etiology of metabolic syndrome remains obscure, increased intracellular levels of the glucocorticoid cortisol may be partly to blame. Cortisol is an adrenal hormone that regulates nutrient metabolism...
