Glucocorticoids, selective inhibition enzymes

The selectivity of hydrocortisone for the glucocorticoid receptor is not due to a different binding affinity of hydrocortisone to the two receptors but to the protection of the mineralocorticoid receptor by locally high concentrations of the enzyme 11 J-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which converts cortisol (hydrocortisone) to the inactive cortisone. This enzyme is inhibited by one of the components of liquorice, and can occasionally harbour a genetic defect. Therefore both acquired (in liquorice addicts) and inherited syndromes of pseudohyperaldo-steronism can occasionally occur. 

Nimesulide is a sulfonanilide compound available in Europe that demonstrates COX-2 selectivity similar to celecoxib in whole blood assays. Additional effects include inhibition of neutrophil activation, decrease in cytokine production, decrease in degradative enzyme production, and possibly activation of glucocorticoid receptors. Its structure is ... 

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