Effects of hormones on intestinal stem cells

The maintenance of intestinal renewal and repair mainly depends on intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which can also contribute to the growth of intestinal tumours. Hormones, which are vital signalling agents in the body, have various effects on the growth and replacement of intestinal stem cells. This review summarises recent progress in the identification of hormones associated with intestinal stem cells. Several hormones, including thyroid hormone, glucagon-like peptide-2, androgens, insulin, leptin, growth hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone and progastrin, promote the development of intestinal stem cells. However, somatostatin and melatonin are two hormones that prevent the proliferation of intestinal stem cells. Therefore, new therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal illnesses can be identified by examining the impact of hormones on intestinal stem cells.

Automated summary

This review summarizes recent progress in the identification of hormones associated with intestinal stem cells, which can promote or prevent their development. Several hormones, such as thyroid hormone, glucagon-like peptide-2, androgens, insulin, leptin, growth hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and progastrin, promote the development of intestinal stem cells, while somatostatin and melatonin prevent their proliferation. This provides potential new therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal illnesses.