32 Our current findings would suggest Oatp1b2 is an important regulator of hepatic TH activity, and its absence results in the dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis as a result of reduced TR-mediated expression of Cyp7a1. Down-regulation of Cyp7a1 in Slco1b2−/− mice has also been recently reported by Csanaky et al.,12 although in their study Slco1b2−/− mice exhibited higher serum BA levels. It is possible the marked age difference between the mice in that study relative to those reported here could be one explanation for the observed differences in BA levels. Indeed, developmental effects on BA pool

size in rodents selleck chemicals llc has been reported.33 Similarly, the involvement of THs in regulation of glucose homeostasis has been widely appreciated for many decades. The understanding of TH effects has been supported by in vitro analysis,34 and there has been characterization of knockout mouse models linking THs to induction of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes such as PEPCK and glucose 6-phosphatase, along with reduced insulin half-life

and sensitivity.35-37 Our findings in Oatp1b2-transporter–deficient mice support the linkage of hepatic TH status to glucose homeostasis resulting from reduced hepatic glucose uptake and gluconeogenesis. Dysregulation of Glut2 seems to be a major factor in TR regulation of glucose homeostasis. Indeed, p38 MAPK activation it is becoming evident that glucose itself can function as a regulator of glycolysis.17 This mechanism of action appears to depend on the equilibration of glucose across the plasma membrane through glucose transporters.38Glut2−/− mice exhibit a diabetes phenotype characterized by hyperglycemia, relative hypoinsulinemia and high-circulating free fatty acids.39 This

phenotype results from impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in Galeterone pancreatic β-islet cells.40 In Glut2-null mice, a marked increase in hepatic glycogen content was also noted. This appears to result from elevated cytosolic glucose concentrations due to the loss of Glut2-mediated cellular efflux.41 In humans, loss of function mutations in GLUT2 have been linked to Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder in which one hallmark feature is hepatomegaly secondary to liver glycogen accumulation.42 Therefore, the mechanism by which L-thyroxine treatment results in significantly reduced hepatic glycogen content43 is likely in part mediated by induction of Glut2 expression. Interestingly, liver-specific reconstitution of Glut2 revealed that this transporter is responsible for the observed metabolic abnormalities noted in Glut2−/− hepatocytes.41 Consistent with our data suggesting Oatp1b2-dependent TR-mediated activation of Glut2, expression of GLUT2 in human liver has been noted to be modulated by THs.