Glucocorticoid Hormones in Aging

The discovery of glucocorticoids is a hallmark achievement in clinical science, as they have profound effects and consequences on various physiological and pathological conditions. Glucocorticoids (GCs) regulate a cohort of physiological functions like intermediary metabolism, immune system and influence development, growth and aging. Aging which is a physiological process characterized by reduced response to stress and imbalance homeostasis share similar physiognomies with impaired glucocorticoids functions like diabetes, cardiovascular system and bone disorders. Glucocorticoid signaling impairment with aging like heightened GCs level, disproportionate hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (HSD) enzymes and reduced glucocorticoid receptor level could have implications in the age-related disorders and may be ultimately death. Positive interventions by anti-aging nutraceuticals, dietary restriction and plausibly selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators having good effects sans side effects could be beneficial in managing pathological conditions during aging, possibly add life to years for healthy aging and better health management with reference to the recent increase in greying populations.