Synthetic glucocorticoids are potent modulators of the immune system, and are clinically
invaluable in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. However, their use can be limited
by harmful side effects, and their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood and
controversial. It has recently been reported that glucocorticoids induce the expression of two
genes that participate in cross-talk with the mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling
pathways. It is possible that both therapeutic and harmful effects of glucocorticoids may be …