Circulating follistatin in relation to energy metabolism. (15th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hansen, Jakob Schiøler; Plomgaard, Peter
• Is Part Of: Molecular and cellular endocrinology. Volume 433(2016)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2016-09-15
• Subjects: Cancer -- Exercise -- Fasting -- Glucagon -- Hepatokines -- Inflammation -- Liver -- Insulin resistance -- Sepsis -- TGF-β; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Hormones -- Periodicals; Endocrinologie -- Périodiques; Cytology; Endocrinology; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 573.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.06.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-7207

Abstract

Abstract: Recently, substantial evidence has emerged that the liver contributes significantly to the circulating levels of follistatin and that circulating follistatin is tightly regulated by the glucagon-to-insulin ratio. Both observations are based on investigations of healthy subjects. These novel findings challenge the present view of circulating follistatin in human physiology, being that circulating follistatin is a result of spill-over from para/autocrine actions in various tissues and cells. Follistatin as a liver-derived protein under the regulation of glucagon-to-insulin ratio suggests a relation to energy metabolism. In this narrative review, we attempt to reconcile the existing findings on circulating follistatin with the novel concept that circulating follistatin is a liver-derived molecule regulated by the glucagon-to-insulin ratio. The picture emerging is that conditions associated with elevated levels of circulating follistatin have a metabolic denominator with decreased insulin sensitivity and/or hyperglucagoneimia. Highlights: Circulating follistatin is increased in conditions associated with insulin resistance. The glucagon-to-insulin ratio has been identified to regulate circulating follistatin. The liver is a major source of the circulating follistatin in humans. This implies that circulating follistatin is related to energy metabolism. These observations elucidate why plasma follistatin is associated with insulin resistance.