Role Of Fibroblast Growth Factor Research Articles

FGF1 promotes the differentiation of goat intramuscular and subcutaneous preadipocytes

Fibroblast growth factor 1(FGF1) has been proved to bind to specific signal molecules and activate intracellular signal transduction, leading to proliferation or differentiation of cells. However, the role of FGF1 in goat adipocytes is still unclear. Here, we investigated its role in lipogenesis of goats, which depends on the activation of FGFRs. In goat intramuscular and subcutaneous adipocytes, we observed that adipocytes accumulation was inhibited by interfering of FGF1, the expression of C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, LPL, Pref-1, PPARγ, AP2, KLF4, KLF6, KLF10 and KLF17 were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05). When the FGF1 was up-regulated, the opposite result was found, while the expression of C/EBPβ, LPL, PPARγ, SREBP1, AP2, KLF4, KLF7, KLF15, KLF16 and KLF17 were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in goat intramuscular and subcutaneous adipocytes. The expression level of FGFR1 was significantly and decreased with the interference of FGF1, and increased with the overexpression of FGF1. But in goat subcutaneous adipocytes, only the expression of FGFR2 was consistent with the expression of FGF1. Interference methods confirmed that FGFR1 or FGFR2 and FGF1 have the similarly promoting function in adipocytes differentiation. With the co-transfection technology, we confirmed that FGF1 promoted the differentiation of intramuscular and subcutaneous adipocytes might via FGFR1 or FGFR2, respectively.

Effect of vanillic acid and exercise training on fatty liver and insulin resistance in rats: Possible role of fibroblast growth factor 21 and autophagy.

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has been alarmingly increased with no lines of effective treatment. Vanillic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenol with promising therapeutic effects. Exercise is well known to be an effective tool against obesity and its consequences. Thus, we aim to study the effect of vanillic acid alone and along with exercise on fatty liver induced by a high-fat diet in a rat model and to investigate possible novel mechanisms involved in their action. In this study, 40 male rats were divided equally into five groups: control (standard chow diet), HFD (high-fat diet), HFD+VA (HFD+ vanillic acid (50 mg/kg/day orally), HFD+EX (HFD+ swimming exercise 5 days/week), HFD+VA+EX (HFD+ vanillic acid+ swimming exercise) for eight weeks. Body mass, liver weight, liver enzymes, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly decreased in the combined VA+EX group, with marked improvement in hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and consequently HOMA-IR index compared to the HFD group. These improvements were also reflected in the pathological view. VA and swimming, either solely or in combination, markedly increased hepatic and circulating fibroblast growth factor 21. Additionally, VA and swimming increased the immunohistochemical expression of the autophagosomal marker LC3 and decreased the expression of P62, which is selectively degraded during autophagy. These results suggest the hepatoprotective effect of VA and swimming exercise against fatty liver and the involvement of FGF21 and autophagy in their effect.

Ulmoplus® Increases FGF-2 Expression and Promote Burn Wound Healing

The role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in the wound repair process has been described, particularly during the stimulation of angiogenesis in the proliferative phase. Ulmo honey (Eucryphia cordifolia) has demonstrated important bactericidal, fungicidal, antioxidant and healing properties. Ulmoplus®, a honey-based medicinal product, accelerates healing time and promotes fibroblast activation and collagen fiber production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of endogenous FGF-2 in burns treated with Ulmoplus® vs. the gold standard (hydrogel-tull), and Ulmo honey as the first step to clarifying the regulatory mechanism of this therapeutic option. 15 adult guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) were used, divided into three groups: C+: positive control treated with hydrogel-tull (gold standard); E1: experimental group treated with Ulmo; and E2: experimental group treated with Ulmoplus®. A deep uniform burn was made under anesthetic that covered 1 cm2 of the skin on the back of each animal. The daily treatments were administered with hydrogel-tull, Ulmo honey or Ulmoplus®, where appropriate. On treatment day 10 the biopsies were taken and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The immunolabeling was quantified through an integrated optical density (IOD) analysis, expressed as lum/ µm2 using the Image- ProPremier 9.1 software. The endogenous expression of FGF-2 was consistent with the stage of healing presented by the study groups, varying in its localization and IOD intensity. The E2 group presented a significantly higher IOD (60053.55 ± 59877.84 lum/µm2) than the C+ (p = 0.001) and E1 (p = 0.001) groups. Our findings indicated that the medicinal Ulmoplus® honey is effective at facilitating wound closing, and the promoter effect of FGF-2 expression accelerated the healing process compared to the treatments with hydrogel-tull (gold standard) and Ulmo honey.

Downregulation of WNT8A, LRP5, LRP6 and FGF8 in Malay Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate Patients

Non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) is a one of the most common birth defects occurs as a result of multi-factorial determinants such as genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factor has been studying widely across different population in identifying genes causing cleft defects. This study aims to validate the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and signalling molecules Wingless-type (Wnt) to the occurrence of cleft lip and/or palate among Malay population. Tissue skin was obtained from consented NSCL/P patients who underwent the cleft lip repair operation at the upper lip skin area and non NSCL/P individual was obtained from patient having traumatic injury at the lip area as a control. Expression pattern of FGF8, FGF10, Wnt8a, and LRP5/6 were tested and validated using Western Blot (WB) and quantitative Reverse Transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR). The fold change difference of FGF8 (0.614 ± 0.1012-fold), FGF10 (0.7188 ± 0.1017-fold) and Wnt8a protein (0.9051 ± 0.0142-fold) was downregulated by 1-fold in cleft lip (CL) tissues compared to the normal meanwhile LRP5/6 protein (1.2201 ± 0.1404-fold) was found upregulated by 1-fold. Validation testing confirmed that expression of FGF8 (p=0.014), Wnt8a (0.0762 ± 0.0227), LRP5 (0.3577 ± 0.1362) and LRP6 (0.3093 ± 0.2541) were significantly reduced in CL tissues compared to normal. This is the first study identified defective regulation of Wnt8a, LRP5, LRP6 and FGF8 in NSCL/P among Malays. These novel findings clearly explained the important role of growth factors FGF and Wnt signalling pathway in lip and palate formation during craniofacial development.

The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) Signaling in Tissue Repair and Regeneration.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a large family of secretory molecules that act through tyrosine kinase receptors known as FGF receptors. They play crucial roles in a wide variety of cellular functions, including cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, morphogenesis, and differentiation, as well as in tissue repair and regeneration. The signaling pathways regulated by FGFs include RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (AKT), phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT). To date, 22 FGFs have been discovered, involved in different functions in the body. Several FGFs directly or indirectly interfere with repair during tissue regeneration, in addition to their critical functions in the maintenance of pluripotency and dedifferentiation of stem cells. In this review, we summarize the roles of FGFs in diverse cellular processes and shed light on the importance of FGF signaling in mechanisms of tissue repair and regeneration.

Application of neurotrophic and proangiogenic factors as therapy after peripheral nervous system injury.

The intrinsic ability of peripheral nerves to regenerate after injury is extremely limited, especially in case of severe injury. This often leads to poor motor function and permanent disability. Existing approaches for the treatment of injured nerves do not provide appropriate conditions to support survival and growth of nerve cells. This drawback can be compensated by the use of gene therapy and cell therapy-based drugs that locally provide an increase in the key regulators of nerve growth, including neurotrophic factors and extracellular matrix proteins. Each growth factor plays its own specific angiotrophic or neurotrophic role. Currently, growth factors are widely studied as accelerators of nerve regeneration. Particularly noteworthy is synergy between various growth factors, that is essential for both angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Fibroblast growth factor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor are widely known for their proangiogenic effects. At the same time, fibroblast growth factor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor stimulate neural cell growth and play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Taken together, their neurotrophic and angiogenic properties have positive effect on the regeneration process. In this review we provide an in-depth overview of the role of fibroblast growth factor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the regeneration of peripheral nerves, thus demonstrating their neurotherapeutic efficacy in improving neuron survival in the peripheral nervous system.

Inhibition of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF-23) Rescues Bone and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche Defects in Beta-Thalassemia, Uncovering the Missing Link between Hematopoiesis and Bone

The bone marrow (BM) niche regulation and interactions with hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) have been extensively studied in steady state conditions and malignancies, but are still underexplored in hematological inherited disorders. We provided the first demonstration of impaired HSC function caused by an altered BM niche in a non-malignant disease, beta-thalassemia (BT) (Aprile et al., Blood 2020). BT is a globally widespread congenital hemoglobin disorder, resulting in severe anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis and multi-organ secondary complications, including bone alterations. Correction of the genetic defect is achieved by transplantation of HSC from healthy donors or autologous HSC from patients upon gene therapy. Since the quality and the engraftment of HSC depend on the BM microenvironment, niche-HSC crosstalk plays a crucial role for transplantation outcome. During the analysis of different components of the niche, we found reduced bone density in BT th3 mice, along with a defective HSC supporting activity by the BM stromal niche. Interestingly, osteoporosis is a constant hallmark in BT patients.We investigated the mechanisms underlying bone and HSC niche defects focusing on the role of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), a hormone mainly secreted by osteocytes, but also by erythroid cells, which negatively modulates bone metabolism. Since FGF-23 is stimulated by the anemia-related factor erythropoietin (EPO), we hypothesized that the high EPO levels in BT might contribute to increase FGF-23, potentially affecting bone and BM niche homeostasis.We found high levels of circulating FGF-23 in th3 mice (wt vs. th3: 290.5±27.3 vs. 1823±136.1 pg/ml, p<0.0001) and in BT patients (HD vs. THAL: 94.7±1.8 vs. 117.2±5.3 RU/ml, p<0.01), associated to its increased expression by bone and BM erythroid cells. In vivo neutralization of EPO axis was sufficient to normalize FGF-23 levels (th3 vs. th3+anti-EPO: 1591±162.2 vs. 496.1±33.3 pg/ml, p<0.001), thus demonstrating the causative role of EPO. EPO stimulation and signaling inhibition strategies highlighted the involvement of Erk1/2 and Stat5 pathways in activating Fgf-23 transcription in bone and BM erythroid cells, respectively.To provide proof of concept data on the contribution of FGF-23 to BT bone and stromal niche alterations, we inhibited FGF-23 signaling. In vivo administration of FGF-23 blocking peptide rescued the trabecular bone density in th3 mice (th3 vs. th3+FGF23inh: 138.2±4.9 vs. 166.9±5.2 mg/cm 3, p<0.01). Short-term inhibition treatment (38 hours) was sufficient to enhance bone mineralization by acting on Alkaline Phosphatase and on the expression of the main regulators of mineralization Dmp1 and Mepe by osteocyte, whereas long-term administration (12 days) restored also osteoblast number and bone deposition. Importantly, FGF-23 inhibition normalized the expression of key niche molecules, such as Jagged-1 and osteopontin, involved in the functional crosstalk between HSC and the stromal niche. Consistently, the treatment restored the frequency of th3 HSC by expanding the pool of quiescent cells (th3 vs. th3+FGF23inh: 0.026 vs. 0.045% on Lin neg BM cells, p<0.01). FGF-23 inhibition had also a positive anti-apoptotic effect on the expanded BM erythroid compartment (th3 vs. th3+FGF23inh: 61.6±1.3 vs. 51.1±2.1% of BM Ter119 + cells, p<0.001), promoting the maturation of early erythroid precursors (th3 vs. th3+FGF23inh: 8.5±1 vs. 16.4±1.1% of BM Pro-Erythroblasts, p<0.0001), as already shown in models of secondary anemias.Evidence in BT patients showed negative correlations between FGF-23 levels and markers of bone homeostasis (e.g. osteocalcin R 2=0.88, p<0.05) and positive correlations with makers of ineffective erythropoiesis (e.g. circulating reticulocytes R 2=0.83, p<0.05), thus positioning FGF-23 as the molecule at the crossroads of erythropoiesis and bone metabolism in BT.Our findings uncover an underexplored role of FGF-23 in bone and BM niche defects in a primary anemia, as a condition of chronic EPO stimulation, and propose FGF-23 as the missing link between hematopoiesis and bone regulation. The inhibition of FGF-23 signaling might provide a novel strategy to ameliorate bone compartment and restore HSC-BM niche interactions in BT by a ‘two birds with one stone’ approach, with a potential translational relevance in improving HSC transplantation and gene therapy. DisclosuresCappellini: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Vifor: Consultancy; La Jolla: Research Funding; Protagonist Therapeutics: Research Funding; IONIS Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; CRISPR Therapeutics: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

New insights into the role of fibroblast growth factors in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), acknowledged as the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. The characteristic pathologic hallmarks of AD-including the deposition of extracellular senile plaques (SP) formation, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and synaptic loss, along with prominent vascular dysfunction and cognitive impairment-have been observed in patients. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), originally characterized as angiogenic factors, are a large family of signaling molecules that are implicated in a wide range of biological functions in brain development, maintenance and repair, as well as in the pathogenesis of brain-related disorders including AD. Many studies have focused on the implication of FGFs in AD pathophysiology. In this review, we will provide a summary of recent findings regarding the role of FGFs and their receptors in the pathogenesis of AD, and discuss the possible opportunities for targeting these molecules as novel treatment strategies in AD.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Augments Autophagy and Reduces Apoptosis in Damaged Liver to Improve Tissue Regeneration in Zebrafish.

Regeneration of a part of the diseased liver after surgical resection is mainly achieved by the proliferation of the remaining healthy liver cells. However, in case of extreme loss of liver cells or in the final stages of chronic liver disease, most liver cells are depleted or lose their ability to proliferate. Therefore, to foster liver regeneration, it is of great clinical and scientific significance to improve the survival and proliferation ability of residual hepatocytes. In this study, we conducted experiments on a zebrafish model of targeted ablation of liver cells to clarify the role of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). We found that FGF21 increased the regeneration area of the damaged liver and improved the survival rate of damaged liver cells by inhibiting cell apoptosis and reducing oxidative stress. Our results also showed that administration of FGF21 upregulated autophagy, and the beneficial effects of FGF21 were reversed by the well-known autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ), indicating that FGF21-activated autophagy played a central role in the treatment. We further showed that the enhancement of autophagy induced by FGF21 was due to the activation of the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, these data provide new evidence that FGF21 is an effective autophagy regulator that can significantly improve the survival of damaged livers.

Fibroblast growth factor 23, the time is right for a second wind

Like many novel discoveries, the recognition of a clinically relevant role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in nephrology was welcomed with almost untamed enthusiasm. Indeed, initial findings were stunning on several levels. First, the rise of circulating FGF23, as chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses, is exponential, reaching values up to 1000-fold higher for patients with end-stage kidney disease than for healthy controls. Second, etiology-based analyses of observational data from many independent cohorts of patients with varying degrees of severity of kidney failure consistently revealed an unprecedented effect size of the associations of FGF23 with clinical end points.

Regulation and Potential Biological Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an incurable progressive disease with the progressive impairment of kidney function, which can accelerate the progression of cardiovascular disease, increase the risk of infection, and lead to related complications such as anemia and bone disease. CKD is to a great extent preventable and treatable, and it is particularly important to improve the early diagnosis, strengthen the research underlying the mechanism of disease occurrence and development, and innovate new intervention measures. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) belongs to one of members of endocrine FGF subfamily with evolutionarily conserved functions and performs a vital role in the regulation of energy balance and adipose metabolism. FGF21 needs to rely on β-Klotho protein to specifically bind to FGF receptor (FGFR), which activates the FGF21 signaling exerting the biological function. FGF21 is deemed as an important regulatory factor extensively modulating many cellular functions under physiologic and pathologic conditions. Although the metabolic effect of FGF21 has been extensively studied, its potential biological role in the kidney has not been generally investigated. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics, regulation and biological function of FGF21 based on the current studies, and briefly discuss the potential relationship with chronic kidney disease.

Role of Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) as a prognostic marker for fetal and maternal complications in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) defined as glucose intolerance with onset or first diagnosis during pregnancy. While GDM usually resolves following delivery, it can have long-lasting health consequences, including increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the mother, and future obesity, CVD, T2DM, and/or GDM in the child. This contributes to a vicious intergenerational cycle of obesity and diabetes that impacts the health of the population as a whole. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone that is expressed predominantly in the liver, but also in other metabolically active tissues such as pancreas, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. An elevated FGF21 level is also an independent predictor of T2DM. GDM and T2DM are proposed to have similar underlying pathophysiologies, raising the question of whether a similar relationship exists between FGF21 and GDM as it does with T2DM. Objectives assess the role of Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) as a prognostic marker for maternal and fetal complications in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Patients and Methods A case control study that was conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and 50 control subjects at Diabetes and Obstetrics outpatient clinic and inpatient ward at Ain Shams university hospitals in the period between December 2018 and July 2019. Patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at 24-28 weeks of gestation were included in this study. Results FGF 21 levels varied significantly with blood sugar values where higher levels of FGF 21 levels were found in patients with GDM with study results showing that FGF 21 can be used as a diagnostic marker for GDM at levels above 121 pg/ml with sensitivity 84% and specificity 92%. Conclusion FGF 21 can be used as a diagnostic marker for gestational diabetes. Further studies needed for better correlation between FGF 21 levels during pregnancy and maternal outcome.

The Multiple Roles of Fibroblast Growth Factor in Diabetic Nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common microvascular complication in the late stages of diabetes. Currently, the etiology and pathogenesis of DN are not well understood. Even so, available evidence shows its development is associated with metabolism, oxidative stress, cytokine interaction, genetic factors, and renal microvascular disease. Diabetic nephropathy can lead to proteinuria, edema and hypertension, among other complications. In severe cases, it can cause life-threatening complications such as renal failure. Patients with type 1 diabetes, hypertension, high protein intake, and smokers have a higher risk of developing DN. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) regulates several human processes essential for normal development. Even though FGF has been implicated in the pathological development of DN, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This review summarizes the role of FGF in the development of DN. Moreover, the association of FGF with metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis in the context of DN is discussed. Findings of this review are expected to deepen our understanding of DN and generate ideas for developing effective prevention and treatments for the disease.

Roles of fibroblast growth factor 21 in the control of depression-like behaviours after social defeat stress in male rodents.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) modulates energy metabolism and neuroendocrine stress responses. FGF21 synthesis is increased after environmental or metabolic challenges. Detailed roles of FGF21 in the control of behavioural disturbances under stressful conditions remain to be clarified. Here, we examined the roles of FGF21 in the control of behavioural changes after social defeat stress in male rodents. Central administration of FGF21 increased the number of tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive catecholaminergic cells expressing c‐Fos protein, an activity marker of neurones, in the nucleus tractus solitarius and area postrema. Double in situ hybridisation showed that some catecholaminergic neurones in the dorsal medulla oblongata expressed β‐Klotho, an essential co‐receptor for FGF21, in male mice. Social defeat stress increased FGF21 concentrations in the plasma of male mice. FGF21‐deficient male mice showed social avoidance in a social avoidance test with C57BL/6J mice (background strain of FGF21‐deficient mice) and augmented immobility behaviour in a forced swimming test after social defeat stress. On the other hand, overexpression of FGF21 by adeno‐associated virus vectors did not significantly change behaviours either in wild‐type male mice or FGF21‐deficient male mice. The present data are consistent with the view that endogenous FGF21, possibly during the developmental period, has an inhibitory action on stress‐induced depression‐like behaviour in male rodents.

Fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) promotes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression by regulating hypoxia signaling pathway

BackgroundAccumulating evidence highlights the critical roles of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in regulating the progression of multiple human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the role of FGF11 in the progression of NSCLC.MethodsPreviously published transcriptomic data (GSE75037 and GSE81089) were used to compare FGF11 expression level between NSCLC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. 100 cases of NSCLC tumor tissues and 30 cases of matched adjacent normal tissues were used to validate FGF11 expression at mRNA and protein level by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter analysis were performed to confirm the regulatory effect of miR-525-5p on FGF11 expression. CCK-8 assay and transwell migration assay were employed to examine cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the signaling pathway associated with FGF11 expression. Finally, the functional role of FGF11 in NSCLC tumor growth was evaluated by in vivo study.ResultsFGF11 was upregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues and tumor cell lines. High FGF11 expression was associated with a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. In vitro loss- and gain-of function experiments demonstrated that FGF11 knockdown inhibited, whereas FGF11 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that FGF11 was downregulated by miR-525-5p, and the effect of FGF11 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion could be interfered by miR-525-5p. GSEA analysis further revealed that FGF11 expression was enriched with genes in hypoxia signaling pathway and the oncogenic function of FGF11 could be suppressed by knocking down HIF-1α in NSCLC cells. Moreover, FGF11 knockdown suppressed NSCLC tumor growth whereas FGF11 overexpression promoted tumor growth in vivo.ConclusionsOur study showed that FGF11 functions as an oncogene in tumor NSCLC progression. miR-525-5p seems to negatively regulate FGF11 and the oncogenic role of FGF11 is dependent on the upregulation of HIF-1α. Our study suggests that targeting FGF11 and HIF-1α may serve as novel strategies for the treatment of NSCLC.

Association of fibroblast growth factor 10 with the fibrotic and inflammatory pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy.

PurposeThe role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in orbital fibroblasts (OFs) is rarely known. In this study, we investigated the effect of FGF10 on fibrosis and the inflammation mechanism of Graves′ orbitopathy (GO).MethodsOrbital tissue from GO (n = 15) and non-GO (n = 15) was obtained for this study. The mRNA and protein expression levels of FGF10 and FGF receptor 2b (FGFR2b) in orbital tissue were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and confocal microscopy. The effects of FGF10 on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 induced fibrotic proteins and interleukin (IL)-1β- or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α- induced inflammatory proteins were investigated using recombinant human (rh) FGF10 and small interfering (si) RNA transfection against FGF10.ResultsFGF10 and FGFR2b mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in GO orbital tissues than in non-GO orbital tissues (p = 0.009 and 0.005, respectively). Immunostaining of FGF10 in orbital adipose tissues showed differences in FGF10 expression between GO and control samples. Immunostaining of FGF10 was very weak in the orbital tissues of GO patients. TGF-β1-induced fibronectin, collagen Iα, α-smooth muscle actin protein expression in GO OFs was attenuated by rhFGF10 treatment and increased by knockdown of FGF10 via siFGF10 transfection. Similarly, IL-1β- or TNF-α-induced IL-6, IL-8, and cyclooxygenase-2 protein production in GO OFs was either blocked by rhFGF10 treatment or further upregulated by inhibition of FGF10 via siFGF10 transfection.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that FGF10 has beneficial effects on the inflammatory and fibrotic mechanisms of GO in primary cultured OFs, providing new insights into GO pathology and the discovery of FGF10 as a promising novel therapeutic application for the treatment of GO.

The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Diabetic Cardiovascular Complications and Related Epigenetic Mechanisms.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), is an emerging metabolic regulator mediates multiple beneficial effects in the treatment of metabolic disorders and related complications. Recent studies showed that FGF21 acts as an important inhibitor in the onset and progression of cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Furthermore, evidences discussed so far demonstrate that epigenetic modifications exert a crucial role in the initiation and development of DM-related cardiovascular complications. Thus, epigenetic modifications may involve in the function of FGF21 on DM-induced cardiovascular complications. Therefore, this review mainly interprets and delineates the recent advances of role of FGF21 in DM cardiovascular complications. Then, the possible changes of epigenetics related to the role of FGF21 on DM-induced cardiovascular complications are discussed. Thus, this article not only implies deeper understanding of the pathological mechanism of DM-related cardiovascular complications, but also provides the possible novel therapeutic strategy for DM-induced cardiovascular complications by targeting FGF21 and related epigenetic mechanism.

Correlation Between Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is common in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis. Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) increases in hemodialysis but its relationship with PAH is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between FGF-23 level and development of PAH in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis. Patients undergoing hemodialysis for more than 6 months were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to measure ejection fraction and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in all patients. Patients were grouped into normal PAP (PAP < 25 mmHg), elevated PAP (25 < PAP < 35 mmHg) and PAH (PAP > 35 mmHg). Parathormone hormone, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and hemoglobin levels were also evaluated. Eighty-five patients (48 male, 56.47%) enrolled in this study. The mean age of the patients was 51.05 ± 16.45 years. Most of the patients (49, 57.65%) had normal PAP, 20 (23.53%) had elevated PAP and 16 (18.82%) had PAH. Serum biochemical markers and demographic characteristics were not significantly related to different PAP values (P > .05). Most of the patients (42, 49.41%) had normal FGF-23 levels. There was a significant relationship between PAP groups and FGF-23 and parathormone levels, P < .001, and P < .05; respectively. FGF-23 was significantly higher in PAH and elevated PAP groups compared with normal PAP group (P < .05). Only a significant positive correlation was observed between FGF-23 levels and PAP (P < .001). This finding highlights the possible role of FGF-23 in the development of vascular complications in ESRD patients.

Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 in Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon Pathogenesis

The phenomenon of angina chest pain without significant epicardial coronary artery stenosis, but accompanied by a slowdown in coronary blood flow is often found in patients with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome who undergoing invasive coronary angiography. This phenomenon of slow coronary blood flow is then called the coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). The pathogenesis mechanism of CSFP remains unclear. The pathogenesis of CSFP is thought to be multifactorial. Endothelial dysfunction, small vessel disease, inflammation, renin system angiotensin aldosterone, atherosclerosis are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of CSFP. Cardiovascular disease incidence and death were associated with elevated levels of Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23). High levels of FGF-23 can lead to formation of blood vessel calcification, left ventricular hypertrophy, arterial stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, increased inflammatory markers and elevated levels of angiotensin II. It is suspected that FGF-23 has a role in this event other than as a regulator of bone and mineral metabolism. This literature review aims to determine the relationship between fibroblast growth factor-23 and the pathophysiology of CSFP. Based on the broad role of FGF-23, it is possible that FGF-23 is involved in the pathogenesis of CSFP.

High Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 as a Biomarker for Severe Cardiac Impairment in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Single Tertiary Center Study.

IntroductionLeft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the most common cardiac abnormality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Changes in cardiac geometry and functions may occur in an early stage and worsen as CKD progresses. Recently, the role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is being highlighted and investigated in CKD-related cardiomyopathy. However, only a few studies have reviewed the utilization of FGF23 as a diagnostic biomarker in the pediatric CKD population.PurposeThis study aimed to identify the role of FGF23 as a biomarker in assessing cardiac changes in children with CKD.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study that involved children aged 2 to 18 years old with CKD stages 2 to 5D in Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The level of FGF23 was measured using an immunometric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LVMI, RWT, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed with echocardiography. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted to assess the diagnostic performance of FGF23 in detecting LVH with impaired contractility.ResultsA total of 43 children with CKD stages 2 to 5D were included, among whom the prevalence of LVH diagnosis was 95.35%. The area under the curve (AUC) of FGF23 to assess LVH and systolic dysfunction was 0.82 (95% CI 0.62–1.0), and the optimal cutoff point was 1413 RU/mL (sensitivity 80%, specificity 78.95%). The median concentration of FGF23 increased with the decreasing eGFR and the increasing LVMI although the systolic and diastolic functions were preserved.ConclusionFGF23 might be used as an early biomarker to detect cardiac changes in pediatric CKD patients, particularly for LVH and impaired systolic function among children with CKD stage 2 and higher.