Abstract

Over the past decade, there have been important breakthroughs in our understanding of the regulation and function of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). A recent genome-wide association and Mendelian randomization study has provided new insights at the population level. Thorough study of genetic variants affecting serum SHBG has identified de novo lipogenesis as one of the mechanistic links between the metabolic syndrome and reduced serum SHBG levels in humans. Furthermore, careful deduction of the Mendelian randomization results suggests a direct, causal role for SHBG in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, as a hepatokine, in women. These findings prompt the development of SHBG-raising therapies as a means to prevent or treat disorders such as type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)544-553
Number of pages10
JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume32
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2021

Keywords

  • DE-NOVO LIPOGENESIS
  • BODY-MASS INDEX
  • METABOLIC-SYNDROME
  • CONFERS SUSCEPTIBILITY
  • POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
  • REPLACEMENT THERAPY
  • WIDE ASSOCIATION
  • COMMON VARIANT
  • P446L VARIANT
  • OBESE WOMEN

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