Vargas-Beltran AM, Armendariz-Pineda SM, Martínez-Sánchez FD, Martinez-Perez C, Torre A, Cordova-Gallardo J. Interplay between endocrine disorders and liver dysfunction: Mechanisms of damage and therapeutic approaches. World J Gastroenterol 2025; 31(32): 108827 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i32.108827]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Jacqueline Cordova-Gallardo, MD, Doctor, Faculty of Medicine, National University Autonomous of Mexico, Escolar 411A, Copilco Universidad, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04360, Mexico. jacqueline.cordova@comunidad.unam.mx
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 28, 2025; 31(32): 108827 Published online Aug 28, 2025. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i32.108827
Interplay between endocrine disorders and liver dysfunction: Mechanisms of damage and therapeutic approaches
Andres M Vargas-Beltran, Samantha M Armendariz-Pineda, Froylan D Martínez-Sánchez, Carolina Martinez-Perez, Aldo Torre, Jacqueline Cordova-Gallardo
Andres M Vargas-Beltran, Samantha M Armendariz-Pineda, Carolina Martinez-Perez, Jacqueline Cordova-Gallardo, Department of Hepatology, General Hospital Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
Andres M Vargas-Beltran, Faculty of Medicine, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla 72420, Mexico
Samantha M Armendariz-Pineda, Froylan D Martínez-Sánchez, Jacqueline Cordova-Gallardo, Faculty of Medicine, National University Autonomous of Mexico, Mexico City 04360, Mexico
Froylan D Martínez-Sánchez, Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
Aldo Torre, Department of Gastroenterology, Centro Médico ABC, Mexico City 05300, Mexico
Co-corresponding authors: Aldo Torre and Jacqueline Cordova-Gallardo.
Author contributions: Vargas-Beltran AM, Armendariz-Pineda SM, Martínez-Sánchez FD, Martinez-Perez C wrote the actual manuscript; Vargas-Beltran AM, Martínez-Sánchez FD were responsible for preparing the figures; Torre A, Cordova-Gallardo J revised and polished the manuscript as co-corresponding authors; Vargas-Beltran AM was responsible for the submission of the current version of the manuscript; All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Jacqueline Cordova-Gallardo, MD, Doctor, Faculty of Medicine, National University Autonomous of Mexico, Escolar 411A, Copilco Universidad, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04360, Mexico. jacqueline.cordova@comunidad.unam.mx
Received: April 27, 2025 Revised: June 3, 2025 Accepted: August 1, 2025 Published online: August 28, 2025 Processing time: 123 Days and 5.2 Hours
Abstract
Endocrine disorders frequently lead to metabolic disturbances that significantly affect liver function. Understanding the complex interplay between hormonal imbalances and liver dysfunction is essential for advancing targeted therapeutic strategies. This comprehensive review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms linking major endocrine disorders to liver disease, with a focus on the roles of the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, and sex hormones. Thyroid dysfunction is associated with alterations in liver enzyme levels and metabolic regulation, often resulting in hepatic steatosis or cholestasis. Hyperparathyroidism and consequent hypercalcemia have been linked to hepatic calcifications. Insulin resistance, both hepatic and peripheral, contributes to excessive lipid accumulation in the liver, exacerbating steatotic changes. Adrenal gland disorders, particularly in the setting of chronic liver disease, impair cortisol metabolism and may worsen hepatic injury. Additionally, sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone modulate the progression of liver fibrosis and influence the development of metabolic syndrome. The intricate relationship between endocrine and hepatic systems underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the management of liver disease. Addressing underlying hormonal disturbances may enhance patient outcomes and prevent further hepatic deterioration. Future research should prioritize integrative therapeutic strategies that concurrently target endocrine and liver dysfunction.
Core Tip: This review highlights the intricate relationship between endocrine disorders and liver dysfunction, emphasizing the role of hormonal imbalances in the development and progression of liver disease. By examining the effects of thyroid, parathyroid, pancreatic, adrenal, and sex hormones on hepatic metabolism and injury, the article provides a comprehensive overview of pathophysiological mechanisms and emerging therapeutic strategies. Understanding these endocrine-hepatic interactions is essential for early recognition, improved patient management, and the development of targeted treatments in metabolic and chronic liver diseases.
