Research Article Details
Article ID: | A42819 |
PMID: | 33353459 |
Source: | Thyroid |
Title: | Increased Hepatic Fat Content in Patients with Resistance to Thyroid Hormone Beta. |
Abstract: | Background: Thyroid hormone (TH) has important functions in controlling hepatic lipid metabolism. Individuals with resistance to thyroid hormone beta (RTHβ) who harbor mutations in the THRB gene experience loss-of-function of thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRβ), which is the predominant TR isoform expressed in the liver. We hypothesized that individuals with RTHβ may have increased hepatic steatosis. Methods: Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was assessed in individuals harboring the R243Q mutation of the THRB gene (n = 21) and in their wild-type (WT) first-degree relatives (n = 22) using the ultrasound-based transient elastography (TE) device (FibroScan). All participants belonged to the same family, lived on the same small island, and were therefore exposed to similar environmental conditions. CAP measurements and blood samples were obtained after an overnight fast. The observers were blinded to the status of the patients. Results: The hepatic fat content was increased in RTHβ individuals compared with their WT relatives (CAP values of 263 ± 21 and 218.7 ± 43 dB/m, respectively, p = 0.007). The CAP values correlated with age and body mass index (BMI) (age: r = 0.55, p = 0.011; BMI: r = 0.51, p = 0.022) in the WT first-degree relatives but not in RTHβ individuals, suggesting that the defect in TRβ signaling was predominant over the effects of age and obesity. Circulating free fatty acid levels were significantly higher in RTHβ individuals (0.29 ± 0.033 vs. 0.17 ± 0.025 mmol/L, p = 0.02). There was no evidence of insulin resistance evaluated by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance in both groups studied. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that impairments in intrahepatic TRβ signaling due to mutations of the THRB gene can lead to hepatic steatosis, which emphasizes the influence of TH in the liver metabolism of lipids and provides a rationale for the development TRβ-selective thyromimetics. Consequently, new molecules with a very high TRβ affinity and hepatic selectivity have been developed for the treatment of lipid-associated hepatic disorders, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. |
DOI: | 10.1089/thy.2020.0651 |

Strategy ID | Therapy Strategy | Synonyms | Therapy Targets | Therapy Drugs | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
S01 | Improve insulin resistance | insulin sensitizer; insulin resistance; glucose tolerance | Biguanide: increases 5-AMP activated protein kinase signaling; SGLT-2 inhibitor; Thiazalidinedione: selective PPAR-γ agonists; GLP-1 agonist | Metformin; Empagliflozin; Canagliflozin; Rosiglitazone; Pioglitazone; Liraglutide | Details |
S02 | Enhance lipid metabolism | triglyceride-lowering; lipid tolerance; lipid metabolism | 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitor; Decreases intestinal cholesterol absorption; FXR agonist; ACC inhibitor; FAS inhibitor; DGAT2 inhibitor; SCD-1 inhibitor | Atorvastatin; Ezetimibe; Obeticholic Acid; GS-9674; GS-0976; TVB-2640; IONIS-DGAT2rx; Aramchol; | Details |
Diseases ID | DO ID | Disease Name | Definition | Class | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I05 | 9352 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus | A diabetes that is characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. A diabetes mellitus that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus_type_2 | disease of metabolism/inherited metabolic disorder/ carbohydrate metabolic disorder/glucose metabolism disease/diabetes/ diabetes mellitus | Details |
I14 | 9970 | Obesity | An overnutrition that is characterized by excess body fat, traditionally defined as an elevated ratio of weight to height (specifically 30 kilograms per meter squared), has_material_basis_in a multifactorial etiology related to excess nutrition intake, decreased caloric utilization, and genetic susceptibility, and possibly medications and certain disorders of metabolism, endocrine function, and mental illness. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity | disease of metabolism/acquired metabolic disease/ nutrition disease/overnutrition | Details |
Drug ID | Drug Name | Type | DrugBank ID | Targets | Category | Latest Progress | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D328 | Serine | Chemical drug | DB00133 | SRR | Improve insulin resistance | Under clinical trials | Details |
D182 | Insulin | Biological drug | DB00030 | INSR agonist; CPE modulator&product of | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D316 | S-adenosyl-L-methionine | Chemical drug | DB00118 | GNMT cofactor | Antiviral | Under clinical trials | Details |
D094 | Cysteamine | Chemical drug | DB00847 | GSS stimulant | Renal drug | Under clinical trials | Details |
D095 | Cysteamine bitartrate | Chemical drug | DB00847 | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |