11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, or 'cortisone reductase' is an is_associated_with::NADPH-dependent is_associated_with::enzyme highly expressed in key metabolic tissues including is_associated_with::liver, is_associated_with::adipose tissue, and the is_associated_with::central nervous system. In these tissues, HSD11B1 reduces is_associated_with::cortisone to the active hormone is_associated_with::cortisol that activates is_associated_with::glucocorticoid receptors.

Function
The protein encoded by this gene is a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the stress hormone is_associated_with::cortisol to the inactive is_associated_with::metabolite is_associated_with::cortisone. In addition, the encoded protein can catalyze the reverse reaction, the conversion of cortisone to cortisol. Too much cortisol can lead to central is_associated_with::obesity, and a particular variation in this gene has been associated with obesity and is_associated_with::insulin resistance in children. Two transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene.

Clinical significance
It is inhibited by is_associated_with::carbenoxolone, a drug typically used in the treatment of is_associated_with::peptic ulcers. Moreover, 18alpha-is_associated_with::glycyrrhizic acid from the root of is_associated_with::Glycyrrhiza glabra was discovered as an inhibitor A study from 2014 found that is_associated_with::Epigallocatechin gallate from is_associated_with::Green tea can also potently inhibit this reaction, which might partly explain the anti-stress properties of is_associated_with::Green tea consumption.