Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2021.
World J Hepatol. Nov 27, 2021; 13(11): 1611-1628
Published online Nov 27, 2021. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i11.1611
Table 1 Classic endocrine functions of the liver
Hormone
Liver function
Target organ
Action on target organ
Alteration in liver diseases
25-hydroxyvitamin DDirect productionGutProhormone of calcitriol which stimulates gut calcium absorptionDecreased production resulting in low bone density
Insulin-like growth factor 1Direct productionUbiquitousPromoting growth and differentiation and regulating nutrients metabolismDecreased production resulting in dysmetabolism
AngiotensinogenDirect productionCardiovascular systemPrecursor of angiotensin II which regulates aldosterone level. Both regulate vascular tone, sodium retention, and cardiac remodelingNear-normal function
Thyroid hormoneActivation through T4 to T3 conversion; inactivation through degradation; TBG productionUbiquitousIncreasing metabolism and energy expenditureLow T3 syndrome
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)Metabolism of GLP-1 via dipeptidyl peptidase-4(DPPIV)Pancreas, gut, and brainStimulating insulin production, decreasing gut motility, and suppressing appetiteIncreased DPPIV expression resulting in higher risk of diabetes
Sex hormonesHormone metabolism and SHBG productionUbiquitousNumerous (details beyond this review)Hypogonadism
GlucocorticoidsHormone metabolism and CBG productionUbiquitousNumerous (details beyond this review)Relative adrenal insufficiency
MineralocorticoidsHormone metabolismCardiovascular systemMaintaining electrolyte balance and blood pressureLargely intact
Table 2 Novel endocrine functions of the liver
Liver hormone
Target organ
Action on target organ
Alteration in liver diseases
Amino acidsPancreatic α cellsStimulate cell proliferation and glucagon secretionNot studied yet
BetatrophinPancreatic β cells (?)Stimulate cell proliferation (?)Increased in cirrhosis
FetuinSkeletal muscle; Adipose tissueDecrease insulin sensitivity; Reduce adiponectin expressionElevated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
FGF21Adipose tissue; BrainIncrease insulin sensitivity; Reduce food intakeElevated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Activin EAdipose tissueIncrease fat oxidationIncreased in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
TsukushiAdipose tissueIncrease thermogenesisIncreased in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
GPNMBAdipose tissueIncrease lipogenesisIncreased in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease