Endogenous glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, are hormones
secreted by adrenal glands. The level of circulating glucocorticoids
during homeostasis follows a circadian rhythm, reaching a peak
early every morning. Stress induces additional production of
glucocorticoids. Synthetic glucocorticoids are widely prescribed
for their anti-inflammatory properties to treat a variety of
inflammatory disorders including allergy, asthma, rheumatoid
arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. The actions of
glucocorticoids are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a
member of the nuclear receptor superfamily