Thyroid hormone analogues: their role in treatment of hyperlipidemia - Abstract
Thyroid hormones are central regulators of lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis, which primarily act through Thyroid Hormone Receptors (TRs). Selective Thyroid Hormone Receptor Modulators (STRMs) are chemical analogues of thyroid hormone, designed to preferentially induce beneficial actions of thyroid hormone through specificity for TR? (isoform specificity) and specific accumulation in liver (tissue selectivity). Although initial results from studies of TH analogs that combine TR? and tissue selectivity were promising, producing Impressive to Dramatic reductions of serum LDLC and triglycerides in animal models and human patients, none of these compounds has progressed beyond the early clinical stage so far. While recent human trials of STRMs have consistently produced impressive improvements in serum lipid parameters, they have also revealed unexpected side effects. Although STRMs have the potential to serve as treatments for hyperlipidemia, these developments make their widespread use in the future highly uncertain.