Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Revealing Electromechanical Control of Tissue Homeostasis Using a Two-Layer Microfluidic Device
11:08

Revealing Electromechanical Control of Tissue Homeostasis Using a Two-Layer Microfluidic Device

Published on: September 19, 2025

1.1K

Irisin Is Controlled by Farnesoid X Receptor and Regulates Cholesterol Homeostasis

Hong Li1,2, Jing Shen1,2, Tong Wu1,2

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|June 14, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) boosts FNDC5/Irisin. This study shows Irisin improves hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays a role in bile acid and lipid metabolism.
  • FNDC5/Irisin is a myokine with potential metabolic benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if FXR regulates FNDC5/Irisin expression.
  • To determine the role of Irisin in hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of human hepatocytes, HepG2 cells, and Rhesus macaques with FXR agonists (CDCA, GW4064, ivermectin).
  • Luciferase reporter and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assays to assess FXR-FNDC5 promoter interaction.
  • Administration of Irisin to ApoE-/- mice to evaluate its effects on dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

  • FXR agonists significantly induced FNDC5 expression in human cells and increased circulating Irisin levels in Rhesus macaques.
  • Irisin administration in ApoE-/- mice led to improved hyperlipidemia and reduced atherosclerosis.
  • Irisin upregulated hepatic and intestinal Abcg5/Abcg8 expression, enhancing biliary and fecal cholesterol excretion.

Conclusions:

  • FXR activation directly induces FNDC5 mRNA expression and increases circulating Irisin levels.
  • FNDC5/Irisin is identified as a direct transcriptional target of FXR.
  • Irisin presents a promising novel therapeutic strategy for managing dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.
Keywords:
ApoE-/-FNDC5/IrisinFXRatherosclerosishyperlipidemia

More Related Videos

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis08:34

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Published on: June 3, 2016

15.7K
High-throughput Nitrobenzoxadiazole-labeled Cholesterol Efflux Assay08:18

High-throughput Nitrobenzoxadiazole-labeled Cholesterol Efflux Assay

Published on: January 7, 2019

9.6K

Related Concept Videos

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...
1.3K
Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose01:02

Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose

Carbohydrates consumed through foods are converted into glucose, a crucial energy source for the body. In the prandial state, high blood glucose levels stimulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin inhibits hepatic glucose production and stimulates glucose uptake and metabolism by muscle and adipose tissue. The excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles.
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
4.0K
What is Homeostasis?01:16

What is Homeostasis?

Maintaining homeostasis requires that the body continuously maintain its internal conditions. Each physiological condition has a particular set point, from body temperature to blood pressure to levels of certain nutrients. A set point is the physiological value around which the normal range fluctuates. A normal range is a restricted set of values that is optimally healthful and stable. For example, the set point for normal human body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F).
53.0K
pH Homeostasis01:31

pH Homeostasis

Acid-base homeostasis is essential for maintaining normal physiological activities in humans. The pH of various body fluids is strictly regulated because it is critical for the optimal activity of enzymes involved in metabolic reactions. Enzymes are basically proteins, so, any significant change in pH can affect their structure and activity. In humans, pH is regulated using three primary mechanisms— chemical buffer systems, respiratory regulation, and renal regulation.
Respiratory...
18.3K
Receptor-mediated Endocytosis01:39

Receptor-mediated Endocytosis

Overview
110.7K
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
5.8K