Inhibitors of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of metabolic abnormalities associated with increased cardiovascular and mortality risks. Glucocorticoid excess has been linked to the development of metabolic syndrome. Intracellular glucocorticoid levels are regulated by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD-1), a key enzyme that converts inert cortisone to active cortisol. To counter the unfavorable metabolic effects of glucocorticoids in certain tissues, 11beta-HSD-1 inhibitors are being investigated for their potential in the treatment of insulin resistance and other aspects of metabolic syndrome. Several different classes of 11beta-HSD-1 inhibitors are currently under investigation by multiple pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the encouraging progress made in this field.