The liver produces several important hormones and hormone precursors. These play crucial roles in various bodily functions, from growth to blood clotting.
Key Liver-Produced Hormones:
- Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): Also known as somatomedin, IGF-1 is a crucial hormone stimulating growth, particularly bone growth. [1, 4, 5]
- Angiotensinogen: This is a precursor to angiotensin, a peptide hormone vital in regulating blood pressure. [1, 2, 3]
- Thrombopoietin: This hormone regulates the production of platelets, essential components of blood clotting. [1, 2]
- Hepcidin: This peptide hormone plays a key role in iron regulation and metabolism. [1, 3]
The Liver's Endocrine Role:
While primarily known for its metabolic functions, the liver also acts as an endocrine organ, secreting hormones with diverse biological functions. [3] Recent research continues to uncover new endocrine roles of the liver, many focused on metabolic regulation. [2] The liver's interaction with other hormones, such as sex steroids and thyroid hormone, is also complex and significant. [6, 7, 8, 9] For example, an unhealthy liver can struggle to process and eliminate hormones like estrogen, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. [10] Conversely, sex hormones and steroid hormones influence liver function and health. [6, 7, 9]
Note: This response focuses on hormones produced by the liver. The liver is also involved in the metabolism and processing of many other hormones circulating throughout the body.
References:
[1] Liver. The liver is responsible for secreting at least four important hormones or hormone precursors: insulin-like growth factor (somatomedin), angiotensinogen, thrombopoetin, and hepcidin. Insulin-like growth factor-1 is the immediate stimulus for growth in the body, especially of the bones.
[2] Newly discovered endocrine functions of the liver - PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8637678/
[3] Liver Hormones - ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128138144000183
[4] 15.6.1.12: Hormones of the Liver - Biology LibreTexts. https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/Biology_(Kimball)/15%3A_The_Anatomy_and_Physiology_of_Animals/15.06%3A_Hormones/15.6.01%3A_Human_Hormones/15.6.1.12%3A_Hormones_of_the_Liver
[5] 17.10 Organs with Secondary Endocrine Functions – Anatomy ... https://open.oregonstate.education/aandp/chapter/17-10-organs-with-secondary-endocrine-functions/
[6] The Influence of Sex Hormones in Liver Function and Disease - PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10296738/
[7] Liver and Steroid Hormones—Can a Touch of p53 Make ... - Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00374/full
[8] Thyroid hormone action and liver disease, a complex... : Hepatology. https://journals.lww.com/hep/fulltext/9900/thyroid_hormone_action_and_liver_disease,_a.521.aspx
[9] Sex hormones and risk of liver tumor. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17261770/
[10] Hormone Imbalance & Your Liver: What You Need To Know - SFI ... https://au.sfihealth.com/health-insights/liver-health-detox/hormone-imbalance-and-the-liver/
