Role of liver X receptor in process of cholesterol metabolism and its mechanism of action / 临床肝胆病杂志

ABSTRACT

Cholesterol is a component of cell membrane and plays a vital role in maintaining metabolism and normal functions in human body. Liver X receptor (LXR) is a nuclear receptor expressed in abundance in the liver. It influences the process of cholesterol metabolism through regulating the synthesis, transformation, and transportation of cholesterol and bile acid at the level of hepatocytes, and therefore, it plays an important role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in human body. In addition, LXR can inhibit the intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol, reduce exogenous cholesterol level and total cholesterol level in human body, and prevent hypercholesterolemia and formation of gallstones. This article summarizes the mechanism of action of LXR in regulating cholesterol metabolism at both liver and intestinal levels.