Abstract

Corticosteroid (glucocorticoids [GCs] and mineralcorticoids [MCs]) interact directly with cells of the cardiovascular system. Their signaling affects genomic and non-genomic receptors and comprises a multitude of alternative and interfering levels of interaction, which influence the physiological response. This review describes genomic and non-genomic pathways of steroid facilitation and portrays the current body of knowledge regarding corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). The latter is a carrier protein facilitating corticosteroid availability in the circulation and has recently been discovered intrinsically in cardiomyocytes. Thought experiments highlight potential areas of clinical research and hypotheses are presented for steroid- carrier interaction. Furthermore, this review comprises a conclusive overview of disease conditions and substances that influence CBG levels and summarizes the potential of CBG as a potential future biomarker.

Keywords: Corticosteroid-steroid binding, drug, glucocorticoids, heart, humans, mineralocorticoids.