Dear Colleagues,

Steroids, a class of organic molecules, have been used in medicine for decades to treat a variety of conditions. Their diverse structures facilitate a broad range of biological activities, making them crucial for many physiological processes in the body. Recent developments have unveiled a plethora of steroid derivatives with promising therapeutic properties.

The therapeutic use of steroids has deep historical roots, with some of their applications dating back to ancient civilizations. Ancient Greeks, for instance, utilized the roots of certain plants, now known to contain steroids, to treat abrasions and infections. However, the modern era of steroid medicine began in the 20th century with the isolation of cortisone from adrenal gland extracts. This was a groundbreaking discovery, especially for those suffering from debilitating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The 1950s then saw the synthesis of anabolic steroids, substances that would later gain notoriety for their misuse in sports, but that were originally developed to treat muscle wasting in post-World War II Europe. As science advanced, so did our understanding of these powerful molecules, leading to the development of a plethora of steroid-based drugs, each tailored to specific medical applications, ranging from anti-inflammatory agents to hormone replacement therapies. The evolution of steroids in medicine is a testament to humanity's enduring quest to harness nature's molecules for healing and well-being.

Steroids and their derivatives have great prospects in medicine due to their diverse mechanisms and wide application. Articles that attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in this domain, while highlighting areas for future research and potential breakthroughs in medicine, are welcomed with great interest.

Prof. Dr. Valery M. Dembitsky
Guest Editor

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