Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 19, 2026

Author Spotlight: Understanding Chronic Lung Diseases Using 3D Printed Phototunable Hydrogels
07:17

Author Spotlight: Understanding Chronic Lung Diseases Using 3D Printed Phototunable Hydrogels

Published on: June 30, 2023

2.3K

Fibroblast Activation Protein is a GH Target: A Prospective Study of Patients with Acromegaly Before and After

Mai C Arlien-Søborg1,2, Camilla Grøndahl1, Amanda Bæk1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 24, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and β-klotho levels did not change in acromegaly patients after treatment. However, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) levels decreased, correlating with reduced collagen turnover, suggesting FAP is a growth hormone (GH) target.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a metabolic hormone inactivated by fibroblast activation protein (FAP).
  • Limited data exist on FGF21, FAP, and growth hormone (GH) interactions, despite GH stimulating collagen turnover, a known FAP substrate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify circulating FGF21, FAP, and related markers in acromegaly patients before and after treatment.
  • To investigate the relationship between FGF21, FAP, GH, and collagen turnover in acromegaly.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 18 active acromegaly patients at diagnosis and after disease control (surgery/medical).
  • Measured serum FGF21 (total/active), β-klotho, FAP, and collagen turnover markers via immunoassays.
  • Assessed gene expression, body composition, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Main Results:

  • Total FGF21, active FGF21, and β-klotho remained unchanged post-treatment.
  • Insulin sensitivity and body fat mass improved, but did not correlate with active FGF21.
  • Serum FAP levels significantly decreased post-treatment (105.6 ± 29.4 vs 62.2 ± 32.4 µg/L).
  • Collagen turnover markers also declined significantly, with FAP reduction correlating positively with Procollagen Type I and III.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating FGF21 and β-klotho are unaffected by acromegaly treatment.
  • Serum FAP concentrations decrease after disease control and correlate with collagen turnover.
  • FAP emerges as a novel GH target associated with collagen turnover in acromegaly.
Keywords:
AcromegalyIGF-1collagenfibroblast activation proteinfibroblast growth factor 21growth hormone

More Related Videos

Suppression of Pro-fibrotic Signaling Potentiates Factor-mediated Reprogramming of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts into Induced Cardiomyocytes09:16

Suppression of Pro-fibrotic Signaling Potentiates Factor-mediated Reprogramming of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts into Induced Cardiomyocytes

Published on: June 3, 2018

7.7K
An Automated Radiosynthesis of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 for Routine Clinical Use10:33

An Automated Radiosynthesis of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 for Routine Clinical Use

Published on: May 24, 2024

1.5K

Related Concept Videos

TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors...
10.5K
Introduction to Fibroblasts01:09

Introduction to Fibroblasts

Rudolph Virchow discovered spindle-shaped cells called fibroblasts in 1858. Inactive fibroblasts, called fibrocytes, become activated by various stimuli, such as growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. Activated fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing, inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and cancer progression. Uncontrolled activation of fibroblasts results in fibrosis, the excess deposition of fibrous tissue, which can lead to scarring and affect normal organs. This...
3.8K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.1K
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity01:09

GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity

Some GPCRs transmit signals through adenylyl cyclase (AC), a transmembrane enzyme. AC helps synthesize second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). AC catalyzes cyclization reaction and converts ATP to cAMP by releasing a pyrophosphate. The pyrophosphate is further hydrolyzed to phosphate by the enzyme pyrophosphatase, which drives cAMP synthesis to completion. However, cAMP is rapidly degraded to 5′ AMP by the enzymes phosphodiesterase (PDE), preventing overstimulation of...
7.3K
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
7.7K