Related Experiment Videos

Liver x receptors: a potential therapeutic target for modulating the atherosclerotic process

Neil Parikh1, William H Frishman

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Cardiology in Review
|October 8, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Liver X receptors (LXRs) regulate lipid metabolism by controlling gene expression. Modulating LXRs offers potential therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors crucial for regulating lipid metabolism.
  • LXRs function as transcription factors, influencing gene expression related to lipid homeostasis.
  • Dysregulation of lipid metabolism is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental functions of LXRs in lipid metabolism.
  • To explore the role of LXRs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets for LXR modulation in atherosclerosis treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on LXR function and atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of gene expression data related to LXR targets.
  • Examination of preclinical and clinical data on LXR modulators.

Main Results:

  • LXRs significantly impact genes involved in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism.
  • LXR activation demonstrates anti-atherosclerotic effects by promoting reverse cholesterol transport.
  • Specific LXR modulators show promise in preclinical atherosclerosis models.

Conclusions:

  • LXRs are key regulators of lipid metabolism with significant implications for atherosclerosis.
  • Targeting LXRs presents a viable therapeutic avenue for managing atherosclerosis.
  • Further research into LXR modulators could lead to novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...