An Overview of FGF19 and FGF21: The Therapeutic Role in the Treatment of the Metabolic Disorders and Obesity

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are responsible for the regulation of a wide range of biological functions, among which cellular proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation could be pointed out. FGF19 controls the enterohepatic bile acid/cholesterol system, and FGF21 modulates fatty acid/glucose metabolism. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and cancer, all can alter FGF21 circulating concentrations. In contrast to FGF21, metabolic diseases exhibit reduced serum FGF19 levels. Accordingly, FGF19 and FGF21 play important roles in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Hence, we present here a timely review on the relationship between FGF19/21 and metabolic diseases, especially obesity, and their probable role in development and treatment of obesity seems necessary.