Hydrocortisone is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Its synthetic counterpart is used, either as an injection or topically, in the treatment of inflammation, allergy, collagen diseases, asthma, adrenocortical deficiency, shock, and some neoplastic conditions. Topical hydrocortisone is used for its anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive properties to treat inflammation due to corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Hydrocortisone binds to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor. After binding the receptor the newly formed receptor-ligand complex translocates itself into the cell nucleus, where it binds to many glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) in the promoter region of the target genes. The DNA bound receptor then interacts with basic transcription factors, causing the increase in expression of specific target genes. The anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve lipocortins, phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins which, through inhibition arachidonic acid, control the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Specifically glucocorticoids induce lipocortin-1 (annexin-1) synthesis, which then binds to cell membranes preventing the phospholipase A2 from coming into contact with its substrate arachidonic acid. This leads to diminished eicosanoid production. The cyclooxygenase (both COX-1 and COX-2) expression is also suppressed, potentiating the effect. In other words, the two main products in inflammation Prostaglandins and Leukotrienes are inhibited by the action of Glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids also stimulate the lipocortin-1 escaping to the extracellular space, where it binds to the leukocyte membrane receptors and inhibits various inflammatory events: epithelial adhesion, emigration, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, respiratory burst and the release of various inflammatory mediators (lysosomal enzymes, cytokines, tissue plasminogen activator, chemokines etc.) from neutrophils, macrophages and mastocytes. Additionally the immune system is suppressed by corticosteroids due to a decrease in the function of the lymphatic system, a reduction in immunoglobulin and complement concentrations, the precipitation of lymphocytopenia, and interference with antigen-antibody binding. For the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Also used to treat endocrine (hormonal) disorders (adrenal insufficiency, Addisons disease). Hydrocortisone is also used to treat many immune and allergic disorders, such as arthritis, lupus, severe psoriasis, severe asthma, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.

Estradiol benzoate is the synthetic benzoate ester of estradiol, a steroid sex hormone vital to the maintenance of fertility and secondary sexual characteristics in females. As the primary, most potent estrogen hormone produced by the ovaries, estradiol binds to and activates specific nuclear receptors. This agent exhibits mild anabolic and metabolic properties, and increases blood coagulability. Although estradiol benzoate is not approved by the FDA for use in humans in the United States, it is approved for veterinary use as a subdermal implant both alone (CELERIN®) and in combination with the anabolic steroid trenbolone acetate (SYNOVEX® Plus).

Testosterone is a steroid sex hormone found in both men and women. In men, testosterone is produced primarily by the Leydig (interstitial) cells of the testes when stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH). It functions to stimulate spermatogenesis, promote physical and functional maturation of spermatozoa, maintain accessory organs of the male reproductive tract, support development of secondary sexual characteristics, stimulate growth and metabolism throughout the body and influence brain development by stimulating sexual behaviors and sexual drive. In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries (25%), adrenals (25%) and via peripheral conversion from androstenedione (50%). Testerone in women functions to maintain libido and general wellbeing. Testosterone exerts a negative feedback mechanism on pituitary release of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Testosterone may be further converted to dihydrotestosterone or estradiol depending on the tissue. The effects of testosterone in humans and other vertebrates occur by way of two main mechanisms: by activation of the androgen receptor (directly or as DHT), and by conversion to estradiol and activation of certain estrogen receptors. Free testosterone (T) is transported into the cytoplasm of target tissue cells, where it can bind to the androgen receptor, or can be reduced to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the cytoplasmic enzyme 5α-reductase. DHT binds to the same androgen receptor even more strongly than T, so that its androgenic potency is about 2.5 times that of T. The T-receptor or DHT-receptor complex undergoes a structural change that allows it to move into the cell nucleus and bind directly to specific nucleotide sequences of the chromosomal DNA. The areas of binding are called hormone response elements (HREs), and influence transcriptional activity of certain genes, producing the androgen effects. Testosterone is used as hormone replacement or substitution of diminished or absent endogenous testosterone. Use in males: For management of congenital or acquired hypogonadism, hypogonadism associated with HIV infection, and male climacteric (andopause). Use in females: For palliative treatment of androgen-responsive, advanced, inoperable, metastatis (skeletal) carcinoma of the breast in women who are 1-5 years postmenopausal; testosterone esters may be used in combination with estrogens in the management of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause in women who do not respond to adequately to estrogen therapy alone.

Nandrolone, also known as 19-nortestosterone or 19-norandrostenolone, is a semisynthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid derived from testosterone. Nandrolone is used in the form of a variety of long-acting prodrug esters for intramuscular injection, the most common of which are nandrolone decanoate. Nandrolone decanoate is indicated for the management of the anemia of renal insufficiency and has been shown to increase hemoglobin and red cell mass. Certain clinical effects and adverse reactions demonstrate the androgenic properties of this class of drugs. Complete dissociation of anabolic and androgenic effects has not been achieved. The actions of anabolic steroids are therefore similar to those of male sex hormones with the possibility of causing serious disturbances of growth and sexual development if given to young children. Anabolic steroids suppress the gonadotropic functions of the pituitary and may exert a direct effect upon the testis. Anabolic steroids have been reported to increase low-density lipoproteins and decrease high-density lipoproteins. Synthetic version of nandrolone was developed in 1950. But nandrolone for sale appeared later only in 1962 in the form of decanoate under the trade name Deca-Durabolin (Organon company).

Cortisone is a hormone that is FDA approved for the treatment of primary and secondary adrenocortical deficiency, rheumatic disorders, psoriasis, exfoliative dermatitis, bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, hemolytic anemia, enteritis, tuberculosis, trichnosis. Cortisone acetate binds to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor. After binding the receptor, the newly formed receptor-ligand complex translocates itself into the cell nucleus, where it binds to many glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) in the promoter region of the target genes. The DNA bound receptor then interacts with basic transcription factors, causing the increase in expression of specific target genes. Common adverse reactions include convulsions, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema, vertigo, headache, psychic disturbances, hirsuitism, glaucoma, exophthalmos. Aminoglutethimide may lead to a loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression. Co-administration of corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in inhibition of response to warfarin, although there have been some conflicting reports. Cortisone is a natural steroid hormone. Its sulfate analog has been detected in in umbilical vein blood fetus plasma between 19 and 32 weeks of gestation with a significant increase at 29-30 weeks and in amniotic fluid. Base on the experiments with rats it was suggested that cortisone sulfate in mammals could be hydrolyzed enzymatically liberating sulfate ions from cortisone. Cortisone sulfate has been proposed for use as one of the glycosaminoglycan compound materials in a cartilage prosthesis and biological nasal bridge implant manufacture as well as auxiliary agent in powder aerosol composition for use in baby powder, dry shampoo, water-eczema remedy and antiperspirant.

Anecortave is a novel angiogenesis inhibitor used in the treatment of the exudative (wet) form of age-related macular degeneration. It will be marketed by Alcon as anecortave acetate (AA) for depot suspension under the trade name Retaane. In 2007 they received their letter of approval for Retaane’s indication to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but final approval would require the completion of an additional clinical study. As a result, the Anecortave Acetate Risk-Reduction Trial (AART) was continued to be supported by Alcon. This study looked at the efficacy of Retaane to reduce the progression of the dry from of AMD to the wet-form. In 2008, Alcon Inc. announced they were terminating the development of anecortave acetate for the prevention of developing sight-threatening choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. In 2009, Alcon Inc. announced they would terminate the development of the drug for the reducing intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma. Currently, anecortave acetate is not on the market or being made for therapeutic use by Alcon Inc.[7] This could be due to the lack of efficacy of clinical trials with anecortave acetate or because of newer more efficacious products that are currently on the market. Anecortave acetate functions as an antiangiogenic agent, inhibiting blood vessel growth by decreasing extracellular protease expression and inhibiting endothelial cell migration. Its angiostatic activity does not seem to be mediated through any of the commonly known pharmacological receptors. RETAANE blocks signals from multiple growth factors because it acts downstream and independent of the initiating angiogenic stimuli and inhibits angiogenesis subsequent to the angiogenic stimulation. Recently was discovered, that phosphodiesterase 6-delta (PDE6D) was a molecular binding partner of AA and this provided insight into the role of this drug candidate in treating glaucoma.