The liver produces several important hormones and hormone precursors. These play crucial roles in various bodily functions.
Key Liver-Produced Hormones:
- Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): Also known as somatomedin, IGF-1 is a crucial hormone stimulating growth, particularly bone growth. [Source: Multiple references]
- Angiotensinogen: A precursor protein for angiotensin, a hormone involved in regulating blood pressure. [Source: Multiple references]
- Thrombopoietin: This hormone regulates the production of platelets, essential for blood clotting. [Source: Multiple references]
- Hepcidin: A peptide hormone that regulates iron absorption and distribution in the body. [Source: Multiple references]
The Liver's Endocrine Role:
The liver isn't solely a digestive organ; it also functions as an endocrine organ, secreting hormones with diverse biological functions. New research continuously reveals its expanding endocrine roles, particularly in metabolic regulation. [Source: Newly discovered endocrine functions of the liver - PMC]
Interaction with Other Hormones:
The liver's function is intricately linked to other hormones. Sex hormones, for example, influence liver physiology, and conversely, liver health affects hormone balance. Conditions like hormonal imbalances can impact liver function, resulting in symptoms like fatigue and mood changes. [Source: The Influence of Sex Hormones in Liver Function and Disease - PMC; Hormone Imbalance & Your Liver: What You Need To Know - SFI] Thyroid hormones also play a role in liver disease. [Source: Thyroid hormone action and liver disease, a complex... : Hepatology]
