Global 11 Beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity Assessed by the Circulating Cortisol to Cortisone Ratio is Associated with Features of Metabolic Syndrome

Background: 11 Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11HSDs) are enzymes involved in the interconversion of cortisol and cortisone. There are two isoenzymes of 11HSD, 11HSD1 and 11HSD2. A causative role of 11HSD, particularly 11HSD1, in metabolic syndrome is well established in experimental animals. However, its role in human metabolic syndrome is less clear. We examined the influence of global 11HSD activity on metabolic syndrome in the general...