Thyroid hormone receptor and lipid regulation.

The concept of thyroid hormone (TH) analogs that retain the beneficial effects of TH excess on lipid lowering and fat metabolism, while avoiding any harmful effects on the heart, muscle, bone and other tissues, has interested scientists and physicians for several decades. While there have been many attempts to develop selective TH receptor (TR) modulators (STRMs) for safe lipid lowering, these approaches have failed consistently. This review details recent advances in the development of TRβ subtype- and liver-selective STRM analogs, and presents the results of preliminary clinical trials with one of these compounds, eprotirome (KB-2115; Karo Bio AB).