Effect of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 on the Development of Atheromatous Plaque and Lipid Metabolic Profiles in an Atherosclerosis-Prone Mouse Model

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormonal regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism. We aimed to investigate the effect of an FGF21 analogue (LY2405319) on the development of atherosclerosis and its associated parameters. ApoE(−/−) mice were fed an atherogenic diet for 14 weeks and were randomly assigned to control (saline) or FGF21 (0.1 mg/kg) treatment group (n = 10/group) for 5 weeks. Plaque size in the aortic arch/valve areas and cardiovascular risk markers were evaluated in blood and tissues. The effects of FGF21 on various atherogenesis-related pathways were also assessed. Atherosclerotic plaque areas in the aortic arch/valve were significantly smaller in the FGF21 group than in controls after treatment. FGF21 significantly decreased body weight and glucose concentrations, and increased circulating adiponectin levels. FGF21 treatment alleviated insulin resistance and decreased circulating concentrations of triglycerides, which were significantly correlated with plaque size. FGF21 treatment reduced lipid droplets in the liver and decreased fat cell size and inflammatory cell infiltration in the abdominal visceral fat compared with the control group. The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels were decreased and β-hydroxybutyrate levels were increased by FGF21 treatment. Uncoupling protein 1 expression in subcutaneous fat was greater and fat cell size in brown fat was smaller in the FGF21 group compared with controls. Administration of FGF21 showed anti-atherosclerotic effects in atherosclerosis-prone mice and exerted beneficial effects on critical atherosclerosis pathways. Improvements in inflammation and insulin resistance seem to be mechanisms involved in the mitigation of atherosclerosis by FGF21 therapy.