scholarly journals Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels in Children and Adolescents with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis before and after l-Thyroxin Medication: A Prospective Study

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (12) ◽  
pp. 1374
Author(s):  
Pavlos Drongitis ◽  
Eleni P. Kotanidou ◽  
Anastasios Serbis ◽  
Vasiliki Rengina Tsinopoulou ◽  
Spyridon Gerou ◽  
...  

Backgrounds and Objectives: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a complex hormone, sharing common sites of action with thyroid hormones. We investigated the association among FGF-21 levels, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and l-thyroxin (LT4) treatment in children and adolescents with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 youngsters with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) (30 with subclinical hypothyroidism, 30 with euthyroidism) and 30 age and sex-matched healthy participants (5–18 years old) were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric, biochemical parameters, and RMR levels were assessed in all participants; serum FGF-21 levels were measured in the control group and the group with subclinical hypothyroidism before and six months after medication with LT4. Results: FGF-21 levels were lower in the treatment group compared with the healthy ones, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05); despite the increase in FGF-21 levels after six months of LT4 treatment, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Free thyroxin (FT4) levels correlated well with FGF-21 levels (r = 0.399, p < 0.01), but further analysis revealed no interaction between these two variables. Both patient groups presented elevated triglyceride (TG) levels compared to controls (p < 0.05). LT4 treatment had no impact on RMR and lipid or liver or glycaemic parameters. An increase in fat mass and fat-free mass were reported, independently of FGF-21 levels. Conclusions: In youngsters with subclinical hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the serum FGF-21 levels are not significantly lower than in healthy individuals and increase after treatment with LT4 without a statistical significance. Further studies with a large number of young patients and severe hypothyroidism are recommended to confirm our results.

Author(s):  
Elham Shakerian ◽  
Narges Mohammad Taghvaei ◽  
Zohre Askari ◽  
Reza Afarin

Background: Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary mediators in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. The activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling leads to the downregulation of the transmembrane inhibitory transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pseudoreceptor BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) on HSCs. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a natural secretory protein in the body with effects, such as the reduction of fat accumulation and oxidation of lipids; however; no study has investigated FGF21 ability to prevent the progression of liver fibrosis. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the beneficial effects of FGF21 to reduce cholesterol-activated human HSCs. Methods: The human HSCs were incubated in media containing different concentrations of cholesterol, including 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 μM, for 24 h and then incubated with FGF21 for 24 h. Total ribonucleic acids were extracted and reversely transcribed into complementary deoxyribonucleic acid. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed in this study. Results: The results showed that the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of TGF-β, collagen, type I, alpha 1 (collagen1α), and TLR4 genes increased significantly in the presence of cholesterol (75 and 100 μM), compared to that of the control group (* P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, and *** P < 0.001); nevertheless, the mRNA expression of the BAMBI gene significantly reduced, compared to that of the control group (* P < 0.05). The FGF21 significantly reduced the mRNA expression of TGF-β, collagen1α, and TLR4 genes (# P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of the BAMBI gene significantly increased with FGF21 (# P < 0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that the treatment with FGF21 reduces the cholesterol-activated HSCs by decreasing the mRNA expression of the TLR4, TGF-β, and collagen1α genes and increasing the mRNA expression of the BAMBI gene.


2017 ◽  
Vol 125 (10) ◽  
pp. 649-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jowita Halupczok-Żyła ◽  
Aleksandra Jawiarczyk-Przybyłowska ◽  
Marek Skrzypski ◽  
Mathias Strowski ◽  
Marek Bolanowski

Abstract Introduction The goal of the study was to investigate fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) levels in acromegalic patients in relation to the disease activity and to compare them with controls. Further, we aimed to evaluate the associations between FGF-21 and random growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), metabolic and anthropometric parameters. Materials and methods The study group consisted of 50 acromegalic patients divided into 3 subgroups on the basis of disease activity (AA – active acromegaly, CD – controlled disease, CA – cured acromegaly). 27 subjects were assigned to the control group (CG). Blood samples were obtained from all participants to assess FGF-21, GH, IGF-1, lipids, glucose and insulin levels. Body mass, body mass index and body composition were also evaluated. Results There were no statistically significant differences in FGF-21 concentrations across all groups despite of subjects classification. FGF-21 correlated positively with random GH in the groups: CA, CD+CA, AA+CD+CA (r=0.48, p=0.049; r=0.39, p=0.023; r=0.33, p=0.02; respectively); with IGF-1 in the AA+CD+CA group (r=0.29, p=0.041); with triglycerides in the following groups: CD, CD+CA, AA+CD+CA (r=0.63, p=0.08; r=0.44, p=0.01; r=0.37, p=0.007; respectively) and with age in the CG and CD+CA groups (r=0.41, p=0.029; r=0.42, p=0.029; respectively). There were statistically significant negative correlations between FGF-21 and HDL-cholesterol levels in the groups: CD, CD+CA, AA+CD+CA (r=-0.53, p=0.03; r=-0.37, p=0.032; r=-0.29, p=0.036, respectively). Conclusions FGF-21 levels were similar in patients with acromegaly compared to controls. However, our results indicate that FGF-21 may have a potential role in the development of acromegaly complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Chang ◽  
Rikke Hjortebjerg ◽  
Anders Bojesen ◽  
Mette Bjerre ◽  
Claus Hojbjerg Gravholt

Abstract Background: Men with 47, XXY Klinefelter syndrome (KS) commonly present with obesity, metabolic disorders, and insulin insensitivity. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has pleiotropic effects including regulation of glucose metabolism. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is associated with weight loss and favourable metabolic changes, but patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes might be resistant to this effect despite presenting with increased levels. Aim: To describe levels of components in the IGF system and FGF21 among men with KS, either treated or not treated with testosterone supplementation therapy (TT), in comparison with control males. Methods: A total of 66 men with KS were included, 33 without current TT and 33 with current TT. A control group of 70 healthy age-matched males were included. Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), FGF21, and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) were compared between the three groups applying the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Levels of (IGF-1 µg/L) were not different between the groups (median (25-75 %), untreated KS 162 (140-201.5), treated KS 165 (128.5-215), controls 176.5 (150.8-214.5), p=0.5). Similarly, FGF21 levels (ng/L) were comparable between the groups (median (25-75 %), untreated KS 84.7 (53.3-217.6), treated KS 97.2 (56.4-224.8), controls 100.3 (66.0-191.0), p=0.9). Levels of IGFBP3, PAPP-A and FAP were also found to be comparable between the groups (p≥0.2). Conclusion: This was the first study investigating FGF21 in men with KS. Our results indicate that regulation of the IGF-1 system and levels of FGF21 are not altered in men with KS compared with age-matched controls, and that TT in men with KS does not affect these systems.


Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1041
Author(s):  
Peteris Tretjakovs ◽  
Juris Lurins ◽  
Simons Svirskis ◽  
Gita Gersone ◽  
Dace Lurina ◽  
...  

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) develops not only with a pronounced local inflammatory response, but also oxidative stress is involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of thioredoxin-1 (TRX1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), chemerin, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), and metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -3, and -9 in acquired AS patients as well as to clarify the correlations of TXR1 and the plasma inflammatory biomarkers regarding AS severity. AS patients were classified into three groups: 16 patients with mild AS stenosis, 19 with moderate and 11 with severe AS, and 30 subjects without AS were selected as a control group. AS patients had significantly higher plasma levels of TRX1 compared to controls, but the highest difference was found in mild AS patients compared to the controls. We conclude that AS is associated with significantly increased plasma TRX1 levels, and TRX1 might serve as a specific and sensitive biomarker of AS. TRX1 and also chemerin, GDF-15, VEGF-A, FGF-2 and FGF-21 significantly correlate with AS severity degrees. TRX1 also showed positive association with FGF-2, VEGF-A, and MMP-3 in all AS patients.


2015 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 820-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manassawee Korwutthikulrangsri ◽  
Pat Mahachoklertwattana ◽  
Suwannee Chanprasertyothin ◽  
Sarunyu Pongratanakul ◽  
Preamrudee Poomthavorn

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11174
Author(s):  
Mette S. Nielsen ◽  
Susanna Søberg ◽  
Julie B. Schmidt ◽  
Anne Chenchar ◽  
Anders Sjödin ◽  
...  

Background Despite a consistent link between obesity and increased circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21), the effect of weight-loss interventions on FGF21 is not clear. We aimed to determine the short- and long-term effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on intact plasma FGF21 levels and to test the hypothesis that RYGB, but not diet-induced weight loss, increases fasting and postprandial responses of FGF21. Method Twenty-eight participants with obesity followed a low-calorie diet for 11 weeks. The 28 participants were randomized to undergo RYGB surgery at week 8 (RYGB group, n = 14), or to a control group scheduled for surgery at week 12 (n = 14). Fasting levels of intact, biologically active FGF21 (amino acids 1-181) and its postprandial responses to a mixed meal were assessed at week 7 and 11, and 78 weeks (18 months) after RYGB. Results At week 11 (3 weeks after RYGB), postprandial responses of intact FGF21 were enhanced in participants undergoing surgery at week 8 (change from week 7 to 11: P = 0.02), whereas no change was found in non-operated control participants in similar negative energy balance (change from week 7 to 11: P = 0.81). However, no between-group difference was found (P = 0.27 for the group-week-time interaction). Fasting, as well as postprandial responses in intact FGF21, were unchanged 18 months after RYGB when both the RYGB and control group were collapsed together (change from week 7 to 78 weeks after RYGB: P = 0.17). Conclusion Postprandial intact FGF21 levels were enhanced acutely after RYGB whereas no signs of sustained changes were found 18 months after surgery. When comparing the acute effect of RYGB with controls in similar negative energy balance, we failed to detect any significant differences between groups, probably due to the small sample size and large inter-individual variations, especially in response to surgery.


2020 ◽  
pp. 451-460
Author(s):  
Z GAMROT ◽  
P ADAMCZYK ◽  
E ŚWIĘTOCHOWSKA ◽  
D ROSZKOWSKA-BJANID ◽  
J GAMROT ◽  
...  

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is one of the members of endocrine arm of FGF family. Its actions as a glucose and lipids metabolism regulator are widely known. Although the mechanism of FGF21 action in kidneys is still under investigation, FGF21 was considered as a marker of early kidney function decline. While many researchers focused on adult subjects in this matter, there are no data regarding children. Therefore, we have investigated the relationship between plasma or urine FGF21 levels and kidney function in a group of 42 pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Anthropometrical parameters and blood pressure were taken, routine biochemical tests were performed. The concentration of FGF21 in serum and urine was determined by enzyme immunoassay. The results revealed significantly higher serum FGF21 concentration among children from CKD group. However, serum FGF21 level was not related to gender, proteinuria, eGFR or renal replacement therapy. Urine FGF21 concentration correlated negatively with albuminuria and positively with eGFR. Documented negative correlation of FGF21 fractional excretion and eGFR is not enough to support the role of FGF21 as a biomarker for predicting kidney disease progression in children and adolescents. Other mechanisms including local kidney FGF21 production or enhanced excretion due to higher extrarenal production may result in higher urine FGF21 concentrations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Afarin ◽  
Hossein Babaahmadi Rezaei ◽  
Seyed Hamid Yaghouti ◽  
Narges Mohammad Taghvaei

Background: Liver fibrosis is often attributed to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive scar formation in the liver. Advanced stages of the disease often lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a secreted protein, which has anti-diabetic and lipocaic effects. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the ability of FGF21 to reduce hepatic fibrogenesis due to the accumulation of free cholesterol in the LX2 cell line (a type of HSC-derived cell line) and its mechanism of action. Methods: Cells were treated with 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM concentrations of cholesterol for 24 and 48 h. The mRNA expression of genes of TGF-β, αSMA, and collagen1α and the level of Smad3C protein were measured to assess liver fibrosis. Next, the cells were treated with FGF21 for 24 h, and the expression levels of TGF-β, αSMA, collagen 1α, and Smad3C protein were measured. Results: The results showed that the expression of TGF-β, αSMA, collagen 1α genes, and also the level of Smad3C protein in the presence of cholesterol increased significantly compared to the control group. Treatment with FGF-21 also significantly reduced the expression of TGF-β, αSMA, and collagen 1α genes. Conclusions: Cholesterol by increasing the level of Smad3C protein and activating the TGF-β signaling pathway increases major proteins involved in the production of extracellular matrix, including collagen 1α. Besides, FGF21 inhibits the further activation of HSCs by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3C signaling pathway and thus can prevent the progression of liver fibrosis.


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