Endocrinology for the Hepatologist

The purpose of this review is to discuss endocrine diseases that affect the liver and how chronic liver disease affects endocrine function.

Over the past 2 decades, we have gained an expanding knowledge of the liver as an endocrine organ. There have been numerous discoveries in hepatic hormone and hepatokine synthesis, metabolism, and production of hormone binding proteins. Global awareness of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing as the most common cause of chronic liver disease, and its mutually detrimental relationship with type 2 diabetes (T2D), lipotoxicity, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Recent discoveries have elucidated mechanisms and a better understanding of cirrhosis-associated endocrinopathies.

The liver facilitates numerous endocrine functions and is a dynamic component of the endocrine system. This review will discuss endocrine disorders including diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone deficiency, osteosarcopenia, and male hypogonadism and the relationship to chronic liver disease.