If you are taking any inflammatory condition treatment or hitting the gym to build muscles, then you might be familiar with the use of steroids. But you might be one of those few people who actually know and are concerned about how steroids are affecting your immune system. And in this article, I will explain the relationship between Steroids and the Immune System: what you should know. This article will show you the relationship between steroids and the immune system, shedding light on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and associated considerations.
Steroids and The Immune System
Steroids, commonly known as corticosteroids and anabolic steroids are powerful medications that have significant effects on the immune system. They are widely prescribed to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions and for physical performance enhancement. However, their potent properties also come with potential risks and side effects. But to understand that first, you will need to know what your immune system is made of.
Your Immune Systems
The immune system is an intricate network of cells and molecules, and those cells and molecules act continuously to protect your body from infections and toxins. And these defense mechanisms comprise NK or Neutral Killers such as Lymphocytes T & Y, Dendritic cells, Macrophages, and Neutrophils, and some of these NKs are recruited via other small protein cells such as Cytokine and Chemokines. Now that what actually working inside your immune system let’s see how steroids affect the immune system.
How Steroids Affect the Immune System
Steroids affect the immune response by inhibiting certain immune cells’ activity and suppressing the production of inflammatory molecules called cytokines. This process helps to reduce inflammation, which is beneficial in treating conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies. And steroids also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. And following is how steroids can specifically target various immune systems substances, such as lymphocytes T & B, dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils to suppress and weaken your natural defenses. Let’s take a closer look at how steroids influence each of these components:
● Lymphocytes T & B:
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell responsible for adaptive immune responses. T lymphocytes (T cells) and B lymphocytes (B cells) are two major subsets of lymphocytes.
T Lymphocytes (T cells): Steroids can suppress the activity of T cells, especially helper T cells (CD4+ T cells), which play a central role in coordinating the immune response. By inhibiting these cells, steroids reduce the production of cytokines and other molecules that promote inflammation. This action is beneficial in controlling autoimmune reactions and inflammatory diseases.
B Lymphocytes (B cells): Steroids may also influence B cells, leading to a decrease in antibody production. Antibodies are essential for targeting and neutralizing pathogens, so steroid-induced suppression of B cells can make the body more vulnerable to infections.
● Dendritic Cells:
Dendritic cells are crucial antigen-presenting cells that play a key role in initiating immune responses. They capture and process antigens (foreign substances) and present them to T cells, initiating an adaptive immune response.
Steroids can impact dendritic cells by reducing their ability to activate T cells and initiate the immune response. This effect contributes to the overall immunosuppressive properties of steroids and can be helpful in managing autoimmune conditions.
● Macrophages:
Macrophages are another type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. They are responsible for phagocytosis, a process in which they engulf and digest foreign particles, pathogens, and cellular debris.
Steroids can inhibit the activity of macrophages, reducing their ability to initiate inflammatory responses. By suppressing macrophage function, steroids help control inflammation in various conditions, such as asthma and autoimmune diseases.
● Neutrophils:
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the initial response to infections. They are the first cells to migrate to the site of infection and engulf and destroy invading pathogens.
Steroids have minimal direct effects on neutrophils. However, by reducing inflammation and dampening the immune response, they indirectly influence neutrophil activity. In conditions where excessive inflammation is harmful, such as severe allergies or certain autoimmune disorders, this indirect effect can be beneficial.
Side Effects and Risks
Steroids do not just affect your immune system, but also it has direct side effects if you are not taking them as your doctor prescribed. Prolonged steroid usage can result in a range of side effects, including weight gain, osteoporosis, increased blood sugar levels, and mood swings. Moreover, chronic use can lead to adrenal suppression, making the body reliant on external steroid administration. Withdrawal from steroids must be gradual to allow the body’s natural cortisol production to recover.
Infection Risk
One of the most significant concerns with steroids is their ability to rise infection. Patients taking steroids must be vigilant about maintaining hygiene and avoiding exposure to contagious illnesses.
Positive Effects of Steroids:
Up to this point, I just mentioned how steroids affect your body negatively, but it also have some positive effects.
● Therapeutic Applications of Steroids
Steroids have proven to be indispensable in the management of various medical conditions. They are used to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Additionally, they are employed as a short-term treatment for severe allergic reactions and respiratory conditions like asthma.
● Steroids and Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases arise when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Steroids are often prescribed to suppress the overactive immune response in these cases. While they can provide relief, long-term steroid use may lead to side effects, requiring a careful balance between symptom management and potential risks.
● Use in COVID-19 Treatment
During the COVID-19 pandemic, steroids like dexamethasone gained attention for their potential to reduce mortality in severe cases. They were found to dampen the excessive inflammatory response seen in some patients. However, their use in COVID-19 treatment requires careful consideration due to potential side effects and contraindications.
Conclusion
Steroids play a crucial role in managing various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, providing relief to millions of patients worldwide. Nonetheless, their influence on the immune system demands careful administration and monitoring to minimize potential risks and side effects. After reading this article, you are now aware of both the positive and negative effects of steroid use. If not taken with professional advice, steroids can be dangerous, so always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment when considering steroid therapy.