Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 Improves Pancreatic β-Cell Function and Survival by Activation of Extracellular Signal–Regulated Kinase 1/2 and Akt Signaling Pathways

• DOI: 10.2337/db05-1435
• Publication Date: 2006-08-25T21:48:55Z
• Authors: Wolf Wente; Alexander M. Efanov; Martin Brenner; Alexei Kharitonenkov; Anja Köster; George E. Sandusky; Sabine Sewing; Iris Treinies; Heike Zitzer; Jesper Gromada
• Keywords: Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) is a recently discovered metabolic regulator. Here, we investigated the effects of FGF-21 in pancreatic beta-cell. In rat islets and INS-1E cells, activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 Akt signaling pathways. isolated from healthy rats, increased insulin mRNA protein levels but did not potentiate glucose-induced secretion. Islets cells treated with were partially protected glucolipotoxicity cytokine-induced apoptosis. diabetic rodents, treatment islet content Short-term normal or db/db mice lowered plasma improved glucose clearance compared vehicle after oral tolerance testing. Constant infusion for 8 weeks nearly normalized fed blood levels. Immunohistochemistry pancreata showed substantial increase intensity staining FGF-21-treated animals as well higher number per pancreas section insulin-positive control. No effect was observed on cell proliferation. conclusion, preservation beta-cell function survival by may contribute to beneficial this homeostasis animals.