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Serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-21 are increased in chronic and acute renal dysfunction

Janka Hindricks1, Thomas Ebert, Anette Bachmann

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Nephrology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; IFB Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.

Clinical Endocrinology
|March 12, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) levels increase with worsening kidney disease, both chronic (CKD) and acute (AKD). This suggests that the kidneys play a key role in clearing FGF-21 from the body.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Nephrology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) is an adipokine known to improve insulin resistance and obesity in rodent models.
  • Understanding the regulation of FGF-21 in kidney dysfunction is crucial for metabolic and renal health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulation of FGF-21 in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney dysfunction (AKD).
  • To determine the relationship between FGF-21 levels and parameters of renal function, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Serum FGF-21 concentrations were measured using ELISA in 499 patients across CKD stages 1-5.
  • FGF-21 levels were assessed before and after unilateral nephrectomy in 32 patients as a model for AKD.
  • Correlations between FGF-21 and clinical parameters were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Circulating FGF-21 levels were significantly elevated in advanced CKD stages, particularly stage 5.
  • Estimated glomerular filtration rate was a strong independent negative predictor of FGF-21 levels.
  • FGF-21 levels increased significantly after unilateral nephrectomy in the AKD model, with changes correlated to creatinine levels.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating FGF-21 is elevated in both CKD and AKD.
  • Renal excretion appears to be a primary pathway for FGF-21 elimination.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the pathophysiological significance of these findings.

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