Farnesoid X receptor: a master regulator of hepatic triglyceride and glucose homeostasis

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2015 Jan;36(1):44-50. doi: 10.1038/aps.2014.116. Epub 2014 Dec 15.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the aberrant accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes in the absence of significant alcohol consumption, viral infection or other specific causes of liver disease. NAFLD has become a burgeoning health problem both worldwide and in China, but its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily, has been demonstrated to be the primary sensor for endogenous bile acids, and play a crucial role in hepatic triglyceride homeostasis. Deciphering the synergistic contributions of FXR to triglyceride metabolism is critical for discovering therapeutic agents in the treatment of NAFLD and hypertriglyceridemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Homeostasis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*
  • Triglycerides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Triglycerides
  • Glucose