Side effects of glucocoicoids are all of the following except: September 2010
**Core Concept**
Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that play a crucial role in regulating inflammation, immune response, and metabolism. Their side effects are a significant concern in their therapeutic use due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Glucocorticoids exert their effects by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, which then translocates to the nucleus and regulates the transcription of target genes. This leads to a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and an increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes. The side effects of glucocorticoids are largely related to their impact on metabolism, including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and osteoporosis. They also cause immunosuppression, which increases the risk of infections.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Glucocorticoids are known to cause hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance, which can lead to the development of diabetes mellitus. They increase the levels of glucose in the blood, which makes this option incorrect.
**Option B:** Glucocorticoids cause osteoporosis by decreasing the bone formation rate and increasing the bone resorption rate, leading to a net loss of bone mass. This makes this option incorrect.
**Option C:** Glucocorticoids are known to cause immunosuppression, which increases the risk of infections. They also suppress the production of antibodies and activate the complement system. This makes this option incorrect.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Glucocorticoids can cause a range of side effects, including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and osteoporosis. They also increase the risk of infections and suppress the production of antibodies. It is essential to monitor patients on long-term glucocorticoid therapy for these potential side effects.
**Correct Answer: C** Glucocorticoids are known to increase the risk of infections, not decrease it.