Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Rapid Detection of Neurodevelopmental Phenotypes in Human Neural Precursor Cells NPCs
Published on: March 2, 2018
Circulating FGF19 and FGF21 surge in early infancy from infra- to supra-adult concentrations
D Sánchez-Infantes1, J M Gallego-Escuredo2, M Díaz1
11] Endocrinology Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain [2] Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Fibroblast growth factors FGF19 and FGF21 surge in infancy, with FGF19 induction reduced in infants born small for gestational age. These early surges may have long-term physiological relevance.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
- Pediatric Growth Studies
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and 21 (FGF21) are linked to adult obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Early life endocrine-metabolic changes are critical for long-term health.
- Prenatal growth restraint impacts infant development and metabolic programming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess circulating FGF19 and FGF21 concentrations in neonates and infants.
- To investigate the association of these factors with endocrine-metabolic changes.
- To explore the impact of prenatal growth restraint on early FGF19 and FGF21 levels.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal assessment of FGF19, FGF21, insulin, IGF-I, and HMW adiponectin in 44 infants (AGA and SGA).
- Body composition analysis using absorptiometry.
- Measurements taken at multiple time points from birth to 12 months.
Main Results:
- FGF19 and FGF21 levels surged >10-fold in early infancy.
- FGF19 induction was significantly reduced in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants.
- Cord-blood FGF21 and 4-month serum FGF19 correlated positively with high-molecular-weight adiponectin.
Conclusions:
- Early infancy surges of FGF19 and FGF21 appear to be physiologically significant.
- These findings suggest a potential role for FGF19 and FGF21 in early development and metabolic regulation.
- Further research is warranted to delineate the long-term implications of these early FGF surges.
Background/Objective:
Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and 21 (FGF21) have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults. We assessed the circulating concentrations of these factors in human neonates and infants, and their association with the endocrine-metabolic changes associated to prenatal growth restraint.
Subjects/Methods:
Circulating FGF19 and FGF21, selected hormones (insulin, insulin-like growth factor I and high- molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin) and body composition (absorptiometry) were assessed longitudinally in 44 infants born appropriate- (AGA) or small-for-gestational-age (SGA). Measurements were performed at 0, 4 and 12 months in AGA infants; at 0 and 4 months in SGA infants; and cross-sectionally in 11 first-week AGA newborns.
Results:
Circulating FGF19 and FGF21 surged >10-fold in early infancy from infra- to supra-adult concentrations, the FGF19 surge appearing slower and more pronounced than the FGF21 surge. Whereas the FGF21 surge was of similar magnitude in AGA and SGA infants, FGF19 induction was significantly reduced in SGA infants. In AGA and SGA infants, cord-blood FGF21 and serum FGF19 at 4 months showed a positive correlation with HMW adiponectin (r=0.49, P=0.013; r=0.43, P=0.019, respectively).
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that these early FGF19 and FGF21 surges are of a physiological relevance that warrants further delineation and that may extend beyond infancy.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
01:16TGF - β Signaling Pathway
01:01Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells