FGF-21

Differentiation; research in biological diversity · 2024

Researchers observed that Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) is an important hormone involved in various bodily functions, including metabolism and immunity. They found that FGF21 levels are linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes, and that manipulating FGF21 levels in animal models can affect weight and immune responses. This hormone is being explored for potential therapies to treat liver diseases related to metabolic issues.

• FGF21 plays a role in metabolism, reproduction, and immunity.
• Higher FGF21 levels are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases.
• FGF21-based therapies are being developed for liver disease treatment.

Molecular metabolism · 2023

Researchers found that the drug liraglutide helps promote weight loss in male mice by increasing levels of a protein called FGF21. They observed that this effect is particularly important when the mice are fed high carbohydrate diets, as the absence of FGF21 in the liver makes it harder for liraglutide to reduce food intake and promote weight loss.

• Liraglutide increases FGF21 levels independently of food intake.
• Mice lacking liver FGF21 do not lose weight effectively with liraglutide.
• The interaction between GLP-1R and FGF21 is crucial for weight management on high carbohydrate diets.

Critical care (London, England) · 2023

Researchers found that higher levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in patients and mice undergoing mechanical ventilation are linked to lung injury. They observed that FGF21 helps protect against this injury by inhibiting a specific inflammatory pathway. This suggests that increasing FGF21 levels could be a potential treatment for lung injury in critically ill patients.

• Higher serum FGF21 levels are associated with increased lung injury during mechanical ventilation.
• FGF21-deficient mice experienced worse lung injury compared to normal mice.
• Administering FGF21 reduced lung injury and inflammation in both mouse and cell models.

International journal of biological sciences · 2023

Researchers observed that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plays a significant role in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. They highlighted new potential drug targets related to FGF21 that could lead to better treatments for these conditions.

• FGF21 is linked to various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
• New molecular targets related to FGF21 could improve treatment options.
• There is ongoing research into developing effective FGF21-based drugs.

Acta pharmacologica Sinica · 2022

Researchers found that sulforaphane (SFN), a compound found in certain vegetables, improved liver health in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). They observed that SFN works by enhancing a specific signaling pathway involving FGF21, which helps regulate fat metabolism in the liver.

• SFN reduced liver fat and inflammation in mice with NAFLD.
• SFN increased levels of FGF21 and its receptor, FGFR1, in the liver.
• Combining SFN with FGF21 further improved liver health in NAFLD mice.

Laboratory investigation; a journal of technical methods and pathology · 2022

Researchers observed that increasing levels of a protein called FGF21 in the liver of mice on a high-fat diet led to significant weight loss and improved liver health. This protein helped the body better process fats and reduced fat buildup in the liver, suggesting it could be a potential target for treating obesity-related liver issues.

• FGF21 overexpression reduced body weight and fat mass in mice on a high-fat diet.
• The treatment improved insulin sensitivity and decreased liver fat accumulation.
• FGF21 may help the liver process fats more effectively and support muscle energy use.

Redox biology · 2021

Researchers found that a protein called FGF21 can help protect the liver from damage caused by excess iron. They observed that FGF21 reduces a harmful process called ferroptosis, which contributes to liver injury and fibrosis. This suggests that boosting FGF21 levels might be a promising approach to treat liver diseases related to iron overload.

• Iron overload increases ferroptosis in liver cells, leading to injury and fibrosis.
• FGF21 protects liver cells by inhibiting ferroptosis and reducing mitochondrial damage.
• Enhancing FGF21 levels may offer a new treatment strategy for iron overload-related liver diseases.

Cell death & disease · 2021

Researchers found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) helps protect cartilage cells in osteoarthritis by reducing cell death and aging, as well as slowing down the breakdown of important cartilage components. They observed that FGF21 works through a specific cellular pathway, showing promise as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis.

• FGF21 reduces cell death and aging in cartilage cells.
• FGF21 slows down the degradation of cartilage components.
• FGF21 shows potential as a treatment for osteoarthritis.

Nature metabolism · 2021

Researchers observed that FGF21, a hormone involved in regulating metabolism, plays a significant role in managing body weight and metabolic health, particularly in diabetes and obesity. They also found that FGF21 influences how the body uses nutrients and balances energy, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

• FGF21 helps correct metabolic dysfunction and reduce body weight.
• It regulates nutrient preference and energy balance.
• There are still important questions about FGF21's functions that need to be explored.

The Journal of biological chemistry · 2018

Researchers found that a new antibody called 39F7 can mimic the actions of a hormone known as FGF21, which is important for managing metabolism and could help treat conditions like Type 2 diabetes. This antibody works by interacting with a protein called β-Klotho, which is part of the receptor system that FGF21 uses to exert its effects.

• 39F7 is a high-affinity monoclonal antibody against β-Klotho.
• The antibody mimics the function of FGF21.
• 39F7 interacts with β-Klotho in a way that does not compete with FGF21.