FGF-23: state of the art

Approximately 10 years ago, a member of the family of the fibroblast growth factors, the hormone FGF-23 (fibroblast growth factor 23) was discovered. Its currently known functions involve phosphorus (P) metabolism and inhibition of 1α hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of calcitriol. That discovery led to a better understanding of the mechanisms of P control, an element associated with mortality, especially in chronic kidney disease. This study reviews several aspects of that hormone, such as its discovery, function, production, mechanism of action, and the most recent clinical studies about it. Afterwards, a discussion about the possible effects of those studies on clinical practice will be presented.