La 11β-hydroxystéroïde déshydrogénase de type 1 - 2e partie Inhibition sélective pour traiter les anomalies métaboliques associées à l'obésité

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11HSD1), which converts cortisone (inactive) into cortisol (active) in target tissues, is overexpressed in presence of abdominal obesity and may play a role in associated metabolic abnormalities. Non selective inhibitors of 11HSD1 have already been tested in humans, but without great success. However, ongoing development of more powerful and selective inhibitors opens new perspectives. Preliminary results appear promising, with reduced insulin resistance, improved glucose tolerance and less marked disturbances related to metabolic syndrome. If these results are confirmed, selective 11HSD1 inhibitors may represent a new class of oral antidiabetic agents in a near future. The aim of the present article is to present the rationale and human data supporting the development of selective 11HSD1 for therapeutic use.