Recent insights into farnesoid X receptor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Oct 7;20(37):13493-500. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i37.13493.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is one of the most prevalent liver disorders worldwide. NAFLD can gradually progress to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex, and no efficient pharmaceutic treatments have yet been established for NAFLD. Accumulating data have shown that the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays important roles not only in bile acid metabolism, but also in lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis, inflammatory responses, among others. In this review, we aim to highlight the role of FXR in the pathogenesis and treatment of NAFLD.

Keywords: Farnesoid X receptor; Lipid metabolism; Mechanism; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Therapy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bile Acids and Salts / metabolism
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Hepatitis / etiology
  • Hepatitis / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / complications
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / drug therapy
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / agonists
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Bile Acids and Salts
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • farnesoid X-activated receptor