Roles of Steroid Receptors in the Lung and COVID-19

July 2021 in “ Essays in Biochemistry ”

Damien A. Leach, Greg N. Brooke, Charlotte Bevan

androgen glucocorticoid progesterone mineralocorticoid oestrogen ACE2 male-pattern baldness androgen activity oral contraceptives steroid hormones immunomodulatory properties steroid receptor ligands anti-androgen therapy inhalable glucocorticoids testosterone cortisol birth control pills

Studysummary This review discusses the roles of steroid hormone receptors in lung function related to COVID-19 and outlines ongoing clinical trials of steroid receptor ligands, but reports no new results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document discusses the role of steroid hormone receptors, including androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, mineralocorticoid, and oestrogen receptors, in lung function and their impact on COVID-19. It suggests a gender bias in COVID-19 severity, with males being more affected, potentially due to the role of sex hormones in regulating genes/proteins essential for viral infection. The document also highlights that ACE2 expression, involved in viral infection, is generally higher in males and that male-pattern baldness, linked to increased androgen activity, is associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 infections. Women aged 18-45 taking oral contraceptives had significantly lower infection and hospitalization rates. The document also discusses the potential therapeutic role of steroid hormones due to their immunomodulatory properties. Several clinical trials are investigating the use of steroid receptor ligands, anti-androgen therapy, and other inhalable glucocorticoids for treating COVID-19.

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