Elevated Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 Protect Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a metabolic regulator with multiple effects on improving glucose metabolism and energy utilization. Recent researches pointed that FGF-21 protect endothelial function against high glucose induced cell damage. Our research tried to detect the relationship of FGF-21 and endothelial dysfunction in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Methods: Fifty newly diagnosed T2D patients and fifty healthy controls were recruited in the research. Clinical and biological data, FGF-21 were measured. Endothelial function was tested by reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) approved by American Food and Drug Administration. Results: T2DM patients had higher FGF-21 levels (155.57±85.3 vs. 117.39±68.9ug/l,P<0.05) and more serious endothelial dysfunction (1.73±0.51 vs. 2.05±0.52,P<0.05) than controls. RHI was negatively related with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r=-0.322, P<0.05) and positively with FGF-21 (r=0.543, P<0.01). In the multivariate linear analysis, FGF-21 (β=0.551,P<0.01) and LDL-C (β=-0.188,P<0.01) were independently predictors of RHI. FGF-21 was the protective factor of endothelial function in the T2D patients. Conclusions: T2D patients had endothelial dysfunction even in the early period. Elevated FGF-21 might protect endothelial dysfunction. Disclosure Y. Hu: None. Y. Xu: None. G. Wang: None.