FGF21 regulates insulin sensitivity following long-term chronic stress

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases type 2 diabetes risk, yet the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We investigated how early-life exposure to chronic stress affects long-term insulin sensitivity.

C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to chronic variable stress for 15 days (Cvs) and then recovered for three months without stress (Cvs3m).

Cvs mice showed markedly increased plasma corticosterone and hepatic insulin resistance. Cvs3m mice exhibited improved whole-body insulin sensitivity along with enhanced adipose glucose uptake and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and fatty acid oxidation. Plasma FGF21 levels were substantially increased and associated with expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and formation of brown-like adipocytes. In humans, serum FGF21 levels were associated with stress coping long time after the exposure.

Early-life exposure to chronic stress leads to long term improvements in insulin sensitivity, oxidative metabolism and adipose tissue remodeling. FGF21 contributes to a physiological memory mechanism to maintain metabolic homeostasis.