A newly discovered hormone, Cholesin, plays a significant role in regulating cholesterol levels.
Cholesin: The Key Regulator
Cholesin, a gut-derived hormone, inhibits cholesterol synthesis in the liver, thus reducing circulating cholesterol levels. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in both human and mouse models. [^1, ^2, ^3, ^4, ^5] This hormone is cholesterol-induced, meaning its production is influenced by cholesterol levels themselves, creating a feedback loop. [^3]
Other Hormones Involved in Cholesterol Metabolism
While Cholesin is a newly identified key player, other hormones also influence cholesterol metabolism, although their roles are more indirect or focus on different aspects of cholesterol processing:
- Thyroid hormone: Affects cholesterol metabolism by influencing the LDL receptor and serum cholesterol levels. Hypothyroidism, for example, is associated with decreased LDL receptors and increased serum cholesterol. [^6]
- Insulin: While primarily known for its role in glucose metabolism, insulin also interacts with the PI3K-AKT pathway, which influences lipid metabolism. [^7]
- Liver X receptor (LXR) and Thyroid hormone receptor (TR): These receptors regulate multiple cholesterol clearance pathways. [^8]
It's crucial to remember that cholesterol metabolism is a complex process influenced by multiple factors beyond hormonal regulation. Dietary intake and genetic predisposition also significantly impact cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
The discovery of Cholesin has provided significant insight into cholesterol regulation. However, other hormones also play essential roles, highlighting the complexity of this vital metabolic process.
[^1]: Here, we identify a hormone, Cholesin, which is capable of inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver, leading to a reduction in circulating cholesterol levels. Cholesin is encoded by a gene with a previously unknown function (C7orf50 in humans; 3110082I17Rik in mice).
[^2]: A gut-derived hormone regulates cholesterol metabolism: Cell. https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(24)00226-5
[^3]: Cholesin is a cholesterol-induced gut hormone. Cholesin regulates plasma cholesterol levels in both human and mouse.
[^4]: We identify a hormone, Cholesin, which is capable of inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver, leading to a reduction in circulating cholesterol levels.
[^5]: Importantly, the investigators found that cholesin regulates plasma cholesterol levels in both humans and mice. Moreover, the single-nucleotide…
[^6]: We propose that the decreased LDL receptor and increased serum cholesterol associated with hypothyroidism are secondary to the thyroid hormone effects on SREBP…
[^7]: In this review, we have summarized the current landscape on hormone regulation of lipid metabolism. After the well-studied PI3K-AKT pathway, insulin affects…
[^8]: Both the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) and liver X receptor (LXR) regulate multiple cholesterol clearance pathways and have been targeted as…
