Fibroblast growth factor 21 and adipose tissue distribution in young adult with abdominal obesity

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a hormone-like protein that is involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis. Several studies have reported the association of FGF21 with visceral fat, epicardial fat, and pericardial fat. However, there is limited information about distribution of FGF21 levels in young adults with different metabolic status and its relationship to different body fat. Objective The main aim of study was to investigate the association between subcutaneous (SF), visceral (VF), periaortic (PF), epicardial (EF), perirenal (PRF), renal sinus (RSF) fat and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in young adult with abdominal obesity (AO), or with metabolic syndrome (MS). Purpose To assess the level of FGF21 in blood serum in young people with AO and compare it with the distribution of adipose tissue. Methods There were 132 adult 18–45 y.o. in the study. We formed 3 groups: health (n=16, M - 43,8%, av.age 32 [27; 35]); AO plus 1 or less sing of MS (AO) (n=46, men (M) – 37,0%, av.age 40 [34; 43]), and MS (n=70, M – 81,4%, av.age 40 [35; 44]). Height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood tests (fast glucose (FG) and glucose tolerance (GT), lipid profile, insulin, adiponectin (ELISA, Mediagnost), leptin (ELISA, DBC), FGF21 (ELISA KIT, BCM Diagnostics) were measured. MS was defined as AO (cut-off of >80cm in women (W) and >94cm in M) plus >1 sign: HDL<1,30(w)/1,04(m)mmol/l; triglycerides>1,7mmol/l; FG>5,6mmol/l; violation GT; BP>140/90mmHg. SF, VF, PF, EF, PRF, RSF (range: −150 to −30 HU) was measured by computed tomography. We calculated ratio subcutaneous to visceral fat (RSV). 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed. Results The clinical characteristics of the groups are presented in table 1. We didn't find any difference of level FGF 21 between groups AO (294,4 pg / ml [110,0; 583,5]) and MS (245,7 pg/ml [129,2; 474,8]). But in health group (110,2 pg/ml [62,2; 221,9] it was significant lower (p=0,05). We found significant week relationship FGF 21 with VF (r=0,02, p<0,05) and SF (r=0,02, p<0,05), and insignificant association with PF (r=0,11 p>0,05), EF (r=0,04 p>0,05), PRF (r=−0,17 p>0,05), RSF (r=−0,02 p>0,05). Also, we checked association with other parameters (insulin (r=0,15 p>0,05), adiponectin (r=0,00 p>0,05), glucose (r=0,12 p>0,05)) and found a statistically significant association FGF21 with leptin (r=0,24, p<0,01). Conclusions Young adults with abdominal obesity had elevated level of FGF21. And it was associated with visceral, subcutaneous fat depots and leptin. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Ministry of Health of Russian Federation Table 1. Clinical characteristics of the groups