The role of estrogen receptors in the control of energy and glucose homeostasis

Estrogens have been related to energy balance and glucose metabolism for a long time; however, the mechanisms involved in their actions are now being unveiled. The development of ERα and ERβ knockout mice has demonstrated the participation of these receptors in the regulation of many processes related to the control of energy homeostasis. These include food intake and energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity in the liver and muscle, adipocyte growth and its body distribution as well as the pancreatic β-cell function. In addition, other membrane receptors unrelated to ERα and ERβ function in key tissues involved in energy balance and glucose homeostasis, i.e. the islet of Langerhans and the hypothalamus. Along with naturally occurring estrogens, there are endocrine disrupters that act as environmental estrogens and can impair the physiological action of ERα, ERβ and other membrane ERs. New research is revealing a link between environmental estrogenic pollutants and the metabolic syndrome.