Metabolic syndrome and glucocorticoid: Favorable aspects of physical exercise on this pathophysiology

The metabolic syndrome has several similarities with Cushing's syndrome (impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, central obesity) suggesting that abnormalities in the glucocorticoid metabolism have a link with the metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, regular physical activity provides several health benefits helping in prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. Epidemiological studies have been demonstrating a direct relationship between physical inactivity and the multiple risk factors such as those found in the metabolic syndrome. Otherwise, it has been demonstrated the physical exercise benefit to prevent and treat arterial hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes, dislipidemy, and obesity. This review will discuss the metabolic effects in the context of glucocorticoid metabolism and establish the association of glucocorticoid action with the features of the metabolic syndrome, specially obesity and insulin resistance. Moreover, we will explore how physical activity promotes favorable physiologic adaptations improving quality of life in the abnormalities metabolic association with the excess of glucocorticoid.