Correlation of fibroblast growth factor 21 serum levels with metabolic parameters in Japanese subjects

• Published in: The Journal of Medical Investigation Vol. 61; no. 1.2; pp. 28 - 34
• Main Authors: Jin, Qing-Ri, Bando, Yukiko, Miyawaki, Katsuyuki, Shikama, Yosuke, Kosugi, Chisato, Aki, Nanako, Funaki, Makoto, Noji, Sumihare
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The University of Tokushima Faculty of Medicine 2014
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; biomarker; Biomarkers - blood; Blood Glucose - metabolism; Blood Pressure - physiology; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; FGF21; Fibroblast Growth Factors - blood; Humans; Male; metabolic syndrome; Metabolic Syndrome - metabolism; Metabolic Syndrome - physiopathology; Middle Aged; Regression Analysis; systolic BP; triglycerides; Triglycerides - blood
• ISSN: 1343-1420; 1349-6867
• DOI: 10.2152/jmi.61.28

Objects: Since serum level of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been implicated as a potential biomarker for the early detection of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, we examined how FGF21 serum levels are correlated with metabolic parameters in Japanese subjects. Methods: FGF21 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Spearman’s correlation and multiple stepwise regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between serum FGF21 and other factors. A Mann-Whitney U test was performed between the normal and high groups for triglycerides and systolic blood pressure (BP) respectively. Results: By univariate correlation analysis, serum FGF21 levels were significantly associated with triglyceride levels, systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, body mass index (BMI), age, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, and total cholesterol levels. Multiple regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender, and BMI) showed that serum FGF21 levels were independently and significantly associated with triglyceride levels and systolic BP. Serum FGF21 levels were significantly higher in subjects with high triglyceride levels and high systolic BP compared with those who had normal triglyceride levels and normal systolic BP respectively. Conclusions: This study found that FGF21 levels might be a biomarker for some metabolic disorders associated with metabolic syndrome. J. Med. Invest. 61: 28-34, February, 2014