Fibroblast growth factor 21 in heart failure

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a peptide hormone regulating energy homeostasis, with elevated levels in cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
• Heart failure (HF) is a growing global health concern with high mortality and challenging prediction.
• FGF21 is emerging as a potential cardiac biomarker for HF prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preclinical and clinical studies on the role of FGF21 in heart failure (HF).
• To explore FGF21's potential as a biomarker for improving HF prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis.
• To evaluate the clinical utility of FGF21 in HF, considering potential confounding factors.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical research on FGF21's role in HF pathophysiology.
• Analysis of clinical studies investigating FGF21 levels in HF patients.
• Examination of potential confounding variables affecting FGF21's role in HF.

Main Results:

• Preclinical studies indicate FGF21 prevents oxidative stress, cardiac hypertrophy, and inflammation in cardiomyocytes.
• Clinical studies show paradoxically elevated FGF21 levels in HF, suggesting potential FGF21 resistance.
• Confounding variables complicate the interpretation of FGF21's role and clinical value in HF.

Conclusions:

• FGF21 is implicated in HF pathophysiology, potentially offering cardioprotective effects.
• Elevated FGF21 in HF may indicate a resistant state, similar to obesity.
• Further research is crucial to determine FGF21's causal role and biomarker utility in HF.