Research

Hormonal

The ER22/23EK polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor gene confers relative resistance to glucocorticoids, resulting in a healthier metabolic profile characterized by lower fasting insulin, increased insulin sensitivity, and lower cholesterol levels.

If you carry the ER22/23EK variant, your body naturally handles glucocorticoids differently, leading to better insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol. This is a protective genetic factor. Focus on maintaining this advantage through standard healthy living, as your biology already supports a favorable metabolic profile compared to non-carriers.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
In line with this, ER22/23EK carriers had lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as lower fasting insulin concentrations and a better insulin sensitivity.
Elisabeth F. C. van Rossum · Recent Progress in Hormone Research · 2004

Why this rating

Based on multiple large cohort studies (Rotterdam study) with consistent findings across different age groups and metabolic markers.

Source

Polymorphisms in the Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene and Their Associations with Metabolic Parameters and Body Composition

Elisabeth F. C. van Rossum · Recent Progress in Hormone Research · 2004

DOI 10.1210/rp.59.1.333

narrative_reviewCited 379×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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