11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, or 'cortisone reductase' is an NADPH-dependent enzyme highly expressed in key metabolic tissues including liver, adipose tissue, and the central nervous system. In these tissues, HSD11B1 reduces cortisone to the active hormone cortisol that activates glucocorticoid receptors.

Function

The protein encoded by this gene is a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the stress hormone cortisol to the inactive metabolite cortisone. In addition, the encoded protein can catalyze the reverse reaction, the conversion of cortisone to cortisol. Too much cortisol can lead to central obesity, and a particular variation in this gene has been associated with obesity and insulin resistance in children. Two transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene.

Clinical significance

11β-HSD1 is inhibited by carbenoxolone, a drug typically used in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Moreover, 18alpha-glycyrrhizic acid from the root of glycyrrhiza glabra was discovered as an inhibitor.

Salicylate downregulates 11β-HSD1 expression in adipose tissue in obese mice and hence may explain why aspirin improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Epigallocatechin gallate from green tea can also potently inhibit this enzyme, which might partly explain the anti-stress properties of green tea consumption.

See also

• Cortisone reductase deficiency
• 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2