Endocrinol Metab.  2017 Jun;32(2):145-151. 10.3803/EnM.2017.32.2.145.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Mimetics for Treating Atherosclerosis

• Kwok KH
• Lam KS

• KMID: 2384072
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2017.32.2.145

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an atypical member of the FGF family. Acting in an endocrine fashion, it increases glucose uptake, modulates lipid metabolism, and sensitizes insulin response in metabolically active organs, including the liver and adipose tissue. Emerging evidence shows a strong correlation between circulating FGF21 levels and the incidence and severity of atherosclerosis. Animal studies have demonstrated a beneficial role of FGF21 in protecting against aberrant lipid profile, while recent development in FGF21 mimetics has provided further insight into the lipid-lowering effects of FGF21 signaling. The present review summarizes the physiological roles of FGF21, and discusses major breakthroughs and limitations of FGF21 mimetic-based therapeutic strategies for treating atherosclerosis.

Keyword

Fibroblast growth factor 21; Atherosclerosis; Dyslipidemia

MeSH Terms

Adipose Tissue
Animals
Atherosclerosis*
Dyslipidemias
Fibroblast Growth Factors*
Fibroblasts*
Glucose
Humans
Incidence
Insulin
Lipid Metabolism
Liver
Fibroblast Growth Factors
Glucose
Insulin

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