Utility of fibroblast growth factor 21 as a cardiometabolic biomarker

Takeaway

• Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) can be valuable in predicting the risks for coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, renal deterioration in diabetes, and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Why this matters

• The role of FGF21 in glucose metabolism, energy homeostasis, atherosclerosis, inflammation and oxidation makes it a potential biomarker for determining risks of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Study design

• Meta-analysis of 28 studies which evaluated the value of FGF21 levels in predicting the risk for cardio-metabolic disorders and mortality.
• Funding: None disclosed.

Key results

• In 3 studies, elevated levels of FGF21 significantly predicted risk for incidence coronary artery disease (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06-1.55; P<. 01) and risk for metabolic syndrome (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.35-2.15; P<.0001).
• FGF21 predicted the incidence or progression of diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04; P<.0001), worsening renal failure (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.09; P<.0001) and metabolic syndrome (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.03-1.64; P<.05).
• Elevated levels of FGF21 could successfully predict all-cause mortality (HR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.23-7.33; P<.05), and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.08-4.99; P<.05).

Limitations

• Risk for bias.