Corticosteroid-binding globulin: modulating mechanisms of bioavailability of cortisol and its clinical implications

Yoon Ju Bae; Juergen Kratzsch

doi:10.1016/j.beem.2015.09.001

Corticosteroid-binding globulin: modulating mechanisms of bioavailability of cortisol and its clinical implications

Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Oct;29(5):761-72. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2015.09.001. Epub 2015 Sep 11.

Authors

Yoon Ju Bae¹, Juergen Kratzsch²

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Paul-List Strasse 13-15, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: yoonju.bae@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
² Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Paul-List Strasse 13-15, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany.

PMID: 26522460
DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2015.09.001

Abstract

Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) is the principal transport protein of glucocorticoids. Approximately 80-90% of serum cortisol binds to CBG with high affinity and only about 5% of cortisol remain unbound and is considered biologically active. CBG seems to modulate and influence the bioavailability of cortisol to local tissues. In this review, we will discuss physicochemical properties of CBG and structure of CBG in the mechanisms of binding and release of cortisol. This review describes several factors affecting CBG functions, such as genetic factors or temperature. Furthermore, clinical implications of CBG abnormalities and the measurement of CBG and its use for assessment of free cortisol levels are described in this review.

Keywords: Coolens equation; corticosteroid-binding globulin; free cortisol; mutation; reactive center loop; sepsis.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Burns / blood*
Humans
Hydrocortisone / blood*
Hydrocortisone / metabolism
Sepsis / blood*
Transcortin / chemistry
Transcortin / genetics
Transcortin / metabolism*

Substances

Transcortin
Hydrocortisone