TLDR AKR1D1 controls glucocorticoid levels and receptor activity in liver cells.
The study demonstrated that AKR1D1, a steroid A-ring reductase predominantly expressed in the liver, played a significant role in regulating glucocorticoid availability and receptor activation in human hepatoma cells. Over-expression of AKR1D1 increased glucocorticoid clearance and decreased glucocorticoid receptor activation and target gene expression, while knockdown of AKR1D1 had the opposite effect. Additionally, 5α-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride did not inhibit AKR1D1 activity. These findings suggested that AKR1D1 could be crucial in regulating both endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoid actions, impacting liver-related physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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