FGF-21: a novel biomarker predicting no-reflow in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is the most effective reperfusion therapy in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Although the infarct-related artery of STEMI patients is effectively revascularized during pPCI, effective reperfusion in the myocardial tissue may not be achieved. This condition is called the no-reflow (NR) phenomenon. FGF-21 is a circulating hormone-like molecule primarily secreted by the liver and has been proven to be the main metabolic regulator of glucolipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive effect of FGF-21 on the development of the NR phenomenon in STEMI patients undergoing pPCI.

This study included 91 patients with acute STEMI who underwent pPCI and 45 healthy participants. Patients with acute STEMI were split into two groups: 46 patients in the NR phenomenon group and 45 patients in the non-NR phenomenon group. Serum levels of FGF-21 were measured in all study groups.

Serum FGF-21, white blood cell count, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) values were considerably different amongst the groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). In comparison to patients without NR and the control group, STEMI patients with NR had considerably higher FGF-21 levels. In addition, the FGF-21 level of STEMI patients without NR was significantly higher than that of the control group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, hs-CRP [odds ratio (OR) 2.106% 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.002-0.069) p = 0.038], age [OR 2.147; 95% (CI) (0.001-0.015); p = 0.0035], and serum FGF-21 levels [OR 4.644; 95% CI (0.003-0.006); p < 0.001] were independent predictors of NR formation. For FGF-21 ≥ 92.2 pg/Ml, 87% sensitivity and 88% specificity were found in predicting NR formation (area under the curve: 0.897, 95% CI: 0.841-0.954; p < 0.001).

Our study demonstrates a strong association between the NR phenomenon, a key indicator of poor prognosis in acute STEMI patients, and an elevated FGF-21 level. These findings indicate FGF-21 as a novel and potent predictor of NR development in STEMI patients.