Physiological and Pharmacological Roles of FGF21 in Cardiovascular Diseases

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiology
• Metabolic Regulation

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant clinical challenge.
• Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key metabolic regulator with therapeutic implications for diabetes and its complications.
• The heart is both a target and source of FGF21, which influences cardiac development and offers protective effects in CVDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the multifaceted roles of FGF21 in the context of cardiovascular diseases.
• To review the evidence linking FGF21 levels to CVD development and its therapeutic administration.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms of FGF21-mediated cardioprotection.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating FGF21 in various cardiovascular conditions.
• Analysis of associations between serum FGF21 levels and CVD progression.
• Examination of mechanistic studies on FGF21's effects on cardiac cells and pathways.

Main Results:

• Elevated serum FGF21 levels correlate with CVD development (atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, myocardial ischemia, cardiac hypertrophy, diabetic cardiomyopathy), suggesting a compensatory protective response.
• Exogenous FGF21 administration demonstrated suppressive effects on these CVDs.
• FGF21 confers cardiac protection by mitigating lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, primarily through direct FGF receptor activation and potentially indirectly via adiponectin.

Conclusions:

• FGF21 exhibits significant therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases.
• Mechanisms involve direct cardiac FGF receptor signaling and possibly indirect pathways involving adiponectin.
• Further research is needed to clarify the role of adiponectin in FGF21-induced cardioprotection.