[Therapeutic effect of fibroblast growth factor 21 on NAFLD in MSG-iR mice and its mechanism]

Area of Science:

• Metabolic disease research
• Hepatology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health concern.
• Insulin resistance is a key factor in NAFLD development.
• Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is being investigated for metabolic benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of FGF21 in a mouse model of NAFLD with insulin resistance (MSG-IR mice).
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of FGF21's action on NAFLD.
• To assess FGF21's impact on body weight, insulin sensitivity, and liver health.

Main Methods:

• MSG-IR mice were treated with high or low doses of FGF21 daily for 5 weeks.
• Body weight, serum lipids, insulin, and aminotransferases were measured.
• Hepatic steatosis was assessed, and gene expression related to energy metabolism was analyzed via real-time PCR.

Main Results:

• FGF21 treatment significantly reduced body weight and corrected dyslipidemia in MSG-IR mice.
• Hepatosteatosis was reversed, liver morphology was restored, and insulin resistance was ameliorated.
• FGF21 downregulated fat synthesis genes and upregulated lipolysis genes, reducing liver fat accumulation.

Conclusions:

• FGF21 demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for NAFLD by improving metabolic parameters and liver function.
• The study provides mechanistic insights into FGF21's role in reducing hepatic fat accumulation.
• These findings support the clinical investigation of FGF21 as a novel treatment for NAFLD.