The role of glucocorticoid receptors in metabolic syndrome and psychiatric illness

•Glucocorticoid receptors (GR) mediate glucocorticoid action at the cellular level.•GR polymorphisms can increase sensitivity or resistance to glucocorticoids, resulting in varying effects in different individuals.•Effects of GR mutations on metabolic syndrome and psychotic depression are reviewed.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are involved in a large number of the physiological changes associated with metabolic syndrome and certain psychiatric illness. Although significance is often given to the concentration of GC, its biological action is determined by the activation of intracellular GC receptors (GR). Genetic polymorphisms of the GR and the large array of GR related cofactors can directly or indirectly affect the pathophysiology and evolution of these conditions. This review will discuss the effects of GR mutations on metabolic syndrome and psychotic depression.