Nuclear receptors in lipid metabolism: targeting the heart of dyslipidemia

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is the sine qua non of atherosclerosis, but it is also strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. The molecular basis for future therapies requires understanding the pivotal role of nuclear hormone receptors in lipid and inflammatory homeostasis. This review summarizes evidence that the liver X receptor (LXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) are key transcriptional regulators in lipid metabolism. Additionally, their effects on glucose homeostasis and inflammation make LXR and PPAR signaling networks attractive molecular targets for managing lipid-related diseases.