HealthAugust 10, 2026
glucocorticoids
GLOO-ko-KOR-ti-koydz
Definition
A group of steroid hormones, released in response to signals from the brain, that help regulate metabolism, immune function, and the body's inflammatory response.
Etymology
The word is a blend of 'glucose' (referring to their role in carbohydrate metabolism), 'cortex' (referring to the adrenal cortex where they are produced), and '-oid' (meaning 'resembling').
In the news
In this study, researchers found that the hormone GDF15 triggers a signaling pathway that leads to the release of glucocorticoids, which directly dampen inflammation in the liver.
Appetite-suppressing hormone may protect liver from inflammation through newly discovered signaling pathway
Read the full article ↗Medical Xpress