ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist

Okay kiddo, let me explain to you what a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist is. Do you know what a receptor is?

Imagine a receptor like a tiny lock on the surface of a cell. To unlock that receptor, you need a specific key that fits perfectly to open it.

Just like that, your body has many receptors too, which interact with different molecules to activate certain processes in your body.

Now, coming to the glucocorticoid receptor. This receptor is found in almost every cell in your body and is activated by a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps regulate many functions in your body, like controlling inflammation, blood sugar levels, and stress response.

But sometimes, our body's cortisol levels are not enough to regulate these functions properly. In such cases, doctors may prescribe medicines to help activate the glucocorticoid receptor.

This is where selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist comes in. It's a type of medicine that's designed to target only the glucocorticoid receptor and activate it. These medicines work like a key that fits only that specific lock or receptor.

Why is it called "selective?" Because these medicines are designed to target only the glucocorticoid receptor and not other receptors in the body. This ensures that the medicine works only where it's needed and reduces the risk of side effects.

In summary, a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist is a medicine that activates a specific receptor in our body called the glucocorticoid receptor, which helps regulate important functions like inflammation, blood sugar levels, and stress response. It's called "selective" because the medicine only targets that receptor and reduces side effects.