The relationship between the thyroid gland and the liver

QJM. 2002 Sep;95(9):559-69. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/95.9.559.

Abstract

Thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine are essential for normal organ growth, development and function. These hormones regulate the basal metabolic rate of all cells, including hepatocytes, and thereby modulate hepatic function; the liver in turn metabolizes the thyroid hormones and regulates their systemic endocrine effects. Thyroid dysfunction may perturb liver function, liver disease modulates thyroid hormone metabolism, and a variety of systemic diseases affect both organs. We highlight the intricate relations between the thyroid gland and the liver in health and disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / physiology*
  • Liver Diseases / complications
  • Liver Diseases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Thyroid Diseases / complications
  • Thyroid Diseases / metabolism*
  • Thyroid Gland / metabolism
  • Thyroid Gland / physiology*
  • Thyroid Hormones / metabolism

Substances

  • Thyroid Hormones