Thyroid, liver proteins support brain health

Study reveals process where the two work together to regulate cholesterol; imbalance of cholesterol may lead to neurodegeneration

A study has uncovered a biological process in which thyroid hormones and proteins in the liver work together to regulate cholesterol; an imbalance of which is considered common in neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers said the "previously unrecognized" process could be targeted to prevent one from developing aging-related disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

The study, led by the University of Houston, US, reviewed previously published research on how thyroid hormones and liver proteins (liver X receptors) function, and found that the two were part of a single process by which the endocrine system balances cholesterol in the brain.

Further, a decline in the function of liver proteins crucial to regulating thyroid in the brain was found to lead to aging-related degeneration in neurons (neurodegeneration).