Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 14, 2026

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring
08:45

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring

Published on: November 17, 2018

14.2K

Liver X Receptors and their Agonists: Targeting for Cholesterol Homeostasis and Cardiovascular Diseases

Zhiqiang Ma1, Chao Deng2, Wei Hu3

  • 1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China.

Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|September 28, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are crucial for cardiovascular health, regulating cholesterol transport and offering protection against atherosclerosis and heart conditions. Understanding LXR functions may lead to new therapeutic targets for heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors vital for cholesterol homeostasis.
  • LXRs play a key role in protecting against cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of Liver X receptors (LXRα and LXRβ) in cholesterol transport.
  • To discuss the cardioprotective effects of LXRs in various cardiovascular conditions.
  • To explore LXR agonists and their downstream targets for potential therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on LXRs, cholesterol transport, and cardiovascular protection.
  • Analysis of LXR's role in reverse cholesterol transport and trans-intestinal cholesterol efflux.
  • Examination of LXR's involvement in atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophy.

Main Results:

  • LXRs regulate cholesterol transport through downstream genes.
  • LXR activation demonstrates cardioprotective effects against atherosclerosis and other cardiac injuries.
  • LXR agonists are potential therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions:

  • LXRs are critical regulators of cholesterol metabolism and possess significant cardioprotective properties.
  • Further research into LXRs may yield novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Understanding LXR actions is essential for both clinical and basic science research in cardiology.

More Related Videos

Cholesterol Efflux Assay07:54

Cholesterol Efflux Assay

Published on: March 6, 2012

30.8K
A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes10:56

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes

Published on: September 15, 2018

8.6K

Related Concept Videos

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...
1.7K
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...
1.8K
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:
4.7K
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...
73
Liver Physiology01:30

Liver Physiology

The liver, an essential organ in the human body, performs over 200 vital functions that can be broadly categorized into metabolic, hematological, endocrine regulation, and bile production.
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of  70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...
4.1K
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...
558