How does prolonged glucocorticoid excess lead to weakness

How does prolonged glucocorticoid excess lead to weakness? 

Most patients with Cushing’s disease have frank weakness and demonstrable myopathic findings on electromyography and selective type IIb muscle fiber atrophy on muscle biopsy.

Chronic treatment with glucocorticoids, especially with the fluorinated steroids, will reproduce these effects on ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone production in 10% to 20% of patients.

Glucocorticoids produce an insulin-resistant state in myotubes, in which both glycolytic (nonoxidative) carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis are adversely affected.

Type IIb fibers, which are least able to compensate for this reduction of glycolytic metabolism, are most affected.

15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856