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Published on: June 9, 2021
Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 concentrations in type 2 diabetic retinopathy patients
Alireza Esteghamati1, Alireza Momeni1, Ali Abdollahi2
1Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC), Vali-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Aims/Purpose:
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a major metabolic regulator in the body that has been shown to be elevated in a number of metabolic disturbances including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the metabolic syndrome. However, little is known regarding the circulating levels of FGF21 in type 2 diabetic retinopathy (T2DR) and its association with the severity of the condition.
Methods:
In a cross-sectional setting, 142 individuals, consisting of (1) T2DM patients without T2DR, (2) T2DM patients with T2DR, and (3) healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. Various clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed and entered for analysis.
Results:
Serum FGF21 levels were significantly elevated in T2DM subjects without retinopathy (103.50 [75.75] pg/mL) compared with healthy controls (99.00 [126.75] pg/mL). Circulating FGF21 levels were comparable across different stages of T2DR (233.00 [109.00] for nonproliferative type 2 diabetic retinopathy [NPT2DR] vs. 215.00 [122.00] for proliferative type 2 diabetic retinopathy [PT2DR] groups, P=361). FGF21, triglycerides, and duration of diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with T2DM in baseline models. However, after adjustment for potential confounders, in the final multivariate model, FGF21 emerged as the only significant factor associated with T2DM (OR=13.772, 95% CI=3.062-61.948, P=001).
Conclusions:
Serum FGF21 concentrations are markedly elevated in patients with T2RN. The association between FGF21 and T2DR appears to be independent of the effects of potential confounding variables. These findings may suggest FGF21 as a novel surrogate diagnostic biomarker in initial stages of T2DR (particularly with FGF21 values above 135.5pg/mL).
Insights
Serum FGF21 levels are significantly elevated in patients with type 2 diabetic retinopathy (T2DR). This finding suggests FGF21 may serve as a novel biomarker for early T2DR detection.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key metabolic regulator.
- Elevated FGF21 is linked to metabolic disturbances like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome.
- The role of FGF21 in type 2 diabetic retinopathy (T2DR) remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circulating FGF21 levels in patients with T2DM and T2DR.
- To assess the association between FGF21 levels and the severity of T2DR.
- To determine if FGF21 is an independent predictor of T2DR.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 142 participants.
- Participants included T2DM patients without T2DR, T2DM patients with T2DR, and healthy controls.
- Clinical and biochemical parameters, including serum FGF21, were assessed.
Main Results:
- Serum FGF21 levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients compared to healthy controls.
- FGF21 levels did not differ significantly between nonproliferative and proliferative T2DR stages.
- Multivariate analysis revealed FGF21 as the sole significant factor associated with T2DM (OR=13.772, P=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Serum FGF21 concentrations are markedly elevated in patients with T2DR.
- The association between FGF21 and T2DR is independent of confounding variables.
- FGF21 may represent a novel diagnostic biomarker for early-stage T2DR, particularly with levels above 135.5 pg/mL.
