Description
Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities with minimal mineralocorticoid effect. Under inflammatory conditions, dexamethasone decreases secretion of TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β, inhibiting migration and maturation of macrophages. Dexamethasone may also display anti-asthma benefit as well, through the upregulation of PTEN expression. Additionally, dexamethasone is often used in combination with other chemotherapeutics in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
References
Bartneck M, Peters FM, Warzecha KT, et al. Liposomal encapsulation of dexamethasone modulates cytotoxicity, inflammatory cytokine response, and migratory properties of primary human macrophages. Nanomedicine. 2014 Mar 7. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 24607939.
Ni Z, Tang J, Cai Z, et al. A new pathway of glucocorticoid action for asthma treatment through the regulation of PTEN expression. Respir Res. 2011 Apr 14;12:47. PMID: 21489309.
Morgan G. Future drug developments in multiple myeloma: an overview of novel lenalidomide-based combination therapies. Blood Rev. 2010 Nov;24 Suppl 1:S27-32. PMID: 21126634.
