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GDF15 Suppresses Liver Inflammation Independently of Weight Loss through Neuroendocrine Glucocorticoid Signaling

ABSTRACT: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is strongly associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), yet whether it promotes or protects against liver injury remains unclear. Using thermoneutral mouse models that closely resemble human MASH, genetic deletion of GDF15 or its receptor GFRAL selectively worsened hepatic inflammation and fibrosis without altering steatosis or insulin resistance. Conversely, recombinant GDF15 reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis more effectively than matched caloric restriction despite identical reductions in food intake, body weight, and steatosis, demonstrating weight loss-independent hepatoprotection. These effects required GFRAL but were independent of β-adrenergic signaling. Instead, GDF15 activated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing circulating corticosterone and hepatic glucocorticoid receptor signaling. Spatial transcriptomics and RNA sequencing demonstrated that GDF15 remodeled the hepatic immune-fibrotic niche by suppressing inflammatory macrophages, plasma B cells, and activated stellate cells while promoting pro-resolving immune programs. Together, these findings identify a GDF15-GFRAL-HPA axis that restrains liver inflammation independently of weight loss.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE337623 | GEO | 2026/08/10

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a promising target for treatment of obesity-associated diseases including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and atherosclerosis. We evaluated the effects of the bispecific anti-FGF21-β klotho (KLB) agonist antibody bFKB1 in a preclinical model of MASH and atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (Ldlr−/−).Leiden mice received a high-fat diet for 20 weeks, followed by treatment with an isotype control antibody or bFKB1 for 12 weeks. Effects on plasma risk markers and (histo)pathology of liver, adipose tissue, and heart were evaluated alongside hepatic transcriptomics analysis. bFKB1 lowered body weight (−21%) and adipose tissue mass (−22%) without reducing food intake. The treatment also improved plasma insulin (−80%), cholesterol (−48%), triglycerides (−76%), alanine transaminase (ALT: −79%), and liver weight (−43%). Hepatic steatosis and inflammation were strongly reduced (macrovesicular steatosis −34%; microvesicular steatosis −100%; inflammation −74%) and while the total amount of fibrosis was not affected, bFKB1 did decrease new collagen formation (−49%). Correspondingly, hepatic transcriptomics and pathway analysis revealed the mechanistic background underlying these histological improvements, demonstrating broad inactivation of inflammatory and profibrotic transcriptional programs by bFKB1. In epididymal white adipose tissue, bFKB1 reduced adipocyte size (−16%) and inflammation (−52%) and induced browning, signified by increased uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) protein expression (8.5-fold increase). In the vasculature, bFKB1 had anti-atherogenic effects, lowering total atherosclerotic lesion area (−38%). bFKB1 has strong beneficial metabolic effects associated with a reduction in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Analysis of new collagen formation and profibrotic transcriptional programs indicate that bFKB1 treatment may have antifibrotic potential in a longer treatment duration as well.

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GDF15 Suppresses Liver Inflammation Independently of Weight Loss through Neuroendocrine Glucocorticoid Signaling

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