Inhibition of lipolysis may contribute to the acute regulation of plasma FFA and glucose by FGF21 in ob/ob mice

FGF21 is a unique member of the fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and a novel hormone that regulates glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis. The beneficial effects of FGF21 reported thus far have mostly been from chronic treatments. In order to better understand the mechanism for FGF21 action, we evaluated the acute effects of FGF21 in vivo and in vitro. Here we report that a single injection of FGF21 acutely reduced plasma free fatty acid levels similar to its acute effects on plasma glucose in ob/ob mice. In vitro, FGF21 inhibited lipolysis in adipocytes during a short treatment and reduced total lipase activity. These results demonstrate the potential importance of adipocyte lipolysis to the observed acute improvements in plasma parameters.