Alclometasone is synthetic glucocorticoid steroid for topical use. Alclometasone dipropionate cream USP and alclometasone dipropionate ointment USP are indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. It may be used in pediatric patients 1 year of age or older, although the safety and efficacy of drug use for longer than 3 weeks have not been established. Like other topical corticosteroids, alclometasone dipropionate has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2. Alclometasone initially binds the corticosteroid receptor. This complex migrates to the nucleus where it binds to different glucocorticoid response elements on the DNA. This in turn enhances and represses various genes, especially those involved in inflammatory pathways.

Betamethasone and its derivatives, betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate, are synthetic glucocorticoids. Used for its antiinflammatory or immunosuppressive properties, betamethasone is combined with a mineralocorticoid to manage adrenal insufficiency and is used in the form of betamethasone benzoate, betamethasone dipropionate, or betamethasone valerate for the treatment of inflammation due to corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Betamethasone and clotrimazole are used together to treat cutaneous tinea infections. Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid receptor agonist. This leads to changes in genetic expression once this complex binds to the GRE. The antiinflammatory actions of corticosteroids are thought to involve lipocortins, phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins which, through inhibition arachidonic acid, control the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. 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. Betamethasone binds to plasma transcortin, and it becomes active when it is not bound to transcortin.Betamethasone is used for: treating certain conditions associated with decreased adrenal gland function. It is used to treat severe inflammation caused by certain conditions, including severe asthma, severe allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, certain blood disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and certain eye and skin conditions.

Dexamethasone acetate (NEOFORDEX®) is the acetate salt form of dexamethasone, which is a synthetic glucocorticoid; it combines high anti-inflammatory effects with low mineralocorticoid activity. At high doses (e.g. 40 mg), it reduces the immune response. Dexamethasone acetate (NEOFORDEX®) is indicated in adults for the treatment of symptomatic multiple myeloma in combination with other medicinal products. Dexamethasone has been shown to induce multiple myeloma cell death (apoptosis) via a down-regulation of nuclear factor-κB activity and an activation of caspase-9 through second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac; an apoptosis promoting factor) release. Prolonged exposure was required to achieve maximum levels of apoptotic markers along with increased caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Dexamethasone also down-regulated anti apoptotic genes and increased IκB-alpha protein levels. Dexamethasone apoptotic activity is enhanced by the combination with thalidomide or its analogues and with proteasome inhibitor (e.g. bortezomib).

Estradiol an aromatized C18 steroid with hydroxyl group at 3-beta- and 17-beta-position. Estradiol-17-beta is the most potent form of mammalian estrogenic steroids. In humans, it is produced primarily by the cyclic ovaries and the placenta. It is also produced by the adipose tissue of men and postmenopausal women. The 17-alpha-isomer of estradiol binds weakly to estrogen receptors (receptors, estrogen) and exhibits little estrogenic activity in estrogen-responsive tissues. Estradiol enters target cells freely (e.g., female organs, breasts, hypothalamus, pituitary) and interacts with a target cell receptor. When the estrogen receptor has bound its ligand it can enter the nucleus of the target cell, and regulate gene transcription which leads to formation of messenger RNA. The mRNA interacts with ribosomes to produce specific proteins that express the effect of estradiol upon the target cell. Estradiol is used for the treatment of urogenital symptoms associated with post-menopausal atrophy of the vagina (such as dryness, burning, pruritus and dyspareunia) and/or the lower urinary tract (urinary urgency and dysuria). Estradiol is marketed under the brand name Climara (among others), indicated for: the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause, treatment of symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause, treatment of hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration or primary ovarian failure and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.