LXRβ is required for glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia and hepatosteatosis in mice.

Although widely prescribed for their potent antiinflammatory actions, glucocorticoid drugs (e.g., dexamethasone) cause undesirable side effects that are features of the metabolic syndrome, including hyperglycemia, fatty liver, insulin resistance, and type II diabetes.

Liver X Receptors as Therapeutic Targets for Managing Cholesterol: Implications for Atherosclerosis and Other Inflammatory Conditions.

Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by excess cholesterol and inflammation in the blood vessels. The liver X receptors (alpha and beta) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor family that are activated by endogenous cholesterol metabolites. These receptors are widely expressed with a tissue distribution that includes the liver, intestine and macrophage.