Metabolic Disease (Glucocorticoid Receptor SNPs in Receptor Function and Metabolic Disease) | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Skip Navigation Metabolic Disease (Glucocorticoid Receptor SNPs in Receptor Function and Metabolic Disease) Close the left navigation Add Study Background This study is no longer accepting participants. To find studies that are currently recruiting, please visit the Join an NIEHS Study website For More Information ClinicalTrials.gov NIEHS researchers theorize that changes in the surface proteins of cells called receptors may predispose people to diseases, such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. The volunteers of this study underwent tests to determine how these changes or variants lead to illness. Glucocorticoids are primary stress response hormones released from the adrenal gland when an individual is under stress. Chronic or ongoing elevation of these hormones due to prolonged stress or medical treatments can have numerous harmful effects. Researchers are interested in learning more about how these hormones affect cell growth, development, and death. To study glucocorticoid hormones, researchers plan to use the medication dexamethasone, which affects the parts of cells that respond to glucocorticoid hormones. Eligibility Criteria Ages Eligible for Study: 18–100 years Sexes Eligible for Study: All Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes Must be a participant in the EPR study Are genotyped and determined to be heterozygote or homozygote carriers of one of the two hGR SNPs (hGR9B A3669G and hGR N363S) or are wild type at the SNP location Able to understand and provide written informed consent to participate in the study Able to travel to the CRU Willing and able to fast for periods of up to 12 hours during the study Healthy participants as defined by the International Red Cross guidelines (Healthy means that an individual feels well and can perform normal activities. If the individual has a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, healthy also means that they are being treated and the condition is under control). Principal Investigator Stavros Garantziotis, M.D. Tenure Track Investigator; Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory Tel 984-287-4412 [email protected] Back to Top Last Reviewed: December 30, 2025