A novel function for fibroblast growth factor 21: stimulation of NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a major paracrine and endocrine regulator of metabolic homeostasis. Here we demonstrate that FGF-21 is also a potent mediator of innate immunity. Double-staining flow cytometry identified neutrophils and monocytes as the main sources of FGF-21 among circulating leukocytes. Functional assays showed that FGF-21 stimulates phagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen species in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells and monocytic THP-1 cells. The mechanism of action of FGF-21 was observed to involve FGF receptor activation, signal transduction through the PI3K/Akt pathway, and stimulation of NADPH oxidase activity. This study indicates that FGF-21 could be an attractive target for the management of inflammatory disorders.