Fibroblast growth factor 21 inhibits atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice by ameliorating Fas-mediated apoptosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

FGF21 is a critical endogenous regulator in energy homeostasis and systemic glucose and lipid metabolism. Despite intensive study of the metabolic functions of FGF21, its important role in heart disease needs further exploration. Apoptosis induced by ox-LDL in vascular endothelial cells is an important step in the progress of atherosclerosis.

Methods

The effects of FGF21 treatment on apoptosis induced by ox-LDL were tested in HUVECs. The role of FGF21 in atherosclerosis was studied by evaluating its function in apolipoprotein E double knockout (apoE-/-) mice.

Results

We found that apoptosis in HUVECs was alleviated by FGF21 treatment. The effects of FGF21 were independent of the ERK1/2 pathway and were mediated through inhibition of the Fas signaling pathwa

SUBMITTER: Yan X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6114502 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature