Fibroblast growth factor 21: A "rheostat" for metabolic regulation?

Qin-Ying She, Jing-Fu Bao, Hui-Zhen Wang, Huixin Liang, Wentao Huang, Jing Wu, Yiwen Zhong, Hanxin Ling, Aiqing Li, Shu-Lan Qin

Journal: Metabolism: clinical and experimental 2022;130():155166

PMID: 35183545

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor 21 is an evolutionarily conserved factor that plays multiple important roles in metabolic homeostasis. During the past two decades, extensive investigations have improved our understanding of its delicate metabolic roles and identified its pharmacological potential to mitigate metabolic disorders. However, most clinical trials have failed to obtain the desired results, which raises issues regarding its clinical value. Fibroblast growth factor 21 is dynamically regulated by nutrients derived from food intake and hepatic/adipose release, which in turn act on the central nervous system, liver, and adipose tissues to influence food preference, hepatic glucose, and adipose fatty acid output. Based on this information, we propose that fibroblast growth factor 21 should not be considered merely an anti-hyperglycemia or anti-obesity factor, but rather a means of balancing of nutrient fluctuations to maintain an appropriate energy supply. Hence, the specific functions of fibroblast growth factor 21 in glycometabolism and lipometabolism depend on specific metabolic states, indicating that its pharmacological effects require further consideration.

Address: Department of Endocrinology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510999, China; Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510999, China.; State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510515, China.; Department of Endocrinology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510999, China.; Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510999, China.; State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510515, China. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Endocrinology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510999, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155166

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MeSH Terms: Fatty Liver, Fibroblast Growth Factors, Humans, Obesity