Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Kofler, L.
The specific role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 concerning alcohol and sugar intake and its changes after a meal tolerance test. FGF21: a potent pharmacological target to prevent alcohol dependence and diverse features of the metabolic syndrome?
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2020. pp. 54
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Horvath Angela
- Stadlbauer-Köllner Vanessa
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction Obesity, diabetes and other features of the metabolic syndrome, as well as alcohol related diseases are common health problems. The Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) 21 has been previously shown to play a fundamental role in metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of alcohol and variant nutrient solutions on plasma FGF21 levels in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods In this interventional study four oral solutions were trialled for their effects on FGF21 levels: alcohol, glucose, fructose and a mixed caloric drink (MCD). Blood samples were taken before and up to four hours after the ingestion. FGF21 concentrations were measured by a human FGF21-ELISA-kit. Altogether, 63 healthy and diabetic subjects were included. All cohorts were selected from the University Hospital of Graz. Results FGF21 concentrations increased rapidly after alcohol and fructose ingestion with a mean 10.3-fold and 2.7-fold increase at two hours compared to baseline (p=0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). In contrast, FGF21 did not increase in the first two hours following ingestion of a glucose load and decreased 2.2-fold two hours after ingestion of a MCD compared to baseline (p=0.007) in healthy subjects. However, FGF21 concentrations did not change after ingestion of the MCD in the diabetic group. Moreover, the comparison of the baseline FGF21 levels between the diabetic subjects and the healthy group showed that those in the diabetic group were 4.5-fold higher (p≤0.001). Discussion Alcohol and fructose ingestion rapidly and robustly elevate human plasma FGF21 levels with a peak at two hours, while ingestion of a MCD suppresses them. Glucose, on the other hand, does not influence FGF21 concentrations significantly. Those findings indicate that FGF21 is affected by various nutrient solutions in a different manner. However, the question if FGF21 could be a potent pharmacological target to prevent diverse metabolic disorders, might be answered soon.