The role of FGF21 in the interplay between obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a narrative review

Vol. 65 No. 2, 2024

ROMANIAN JOURNAL of MORPHOLOGY and EMBRYOLOGY

Cristina Elena Negroiu, Robertina Iulia Tudorascu, Maria Cristina Bezna, Adrian Ionut Ungureanu, Sorina Octavia Hontaru, Suzana Danoiu

Obesity poses a significant and escalating challenge in contemporary society, increasing the risk of developing various metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The current array of therapeutic interventions for obesity remains insufficient, prompting a pressing demand for novel and more effective treatments. In response, scientific attention has turned to the fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) due to its remarkable and diverse impacts on lipid, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism. This comprehensive review aims to delve into the multifaceted aspects of FGF21, encompassing its discovery, synthesis, functional roles, and potential as a biomarker and therapeutic agent, with a specific focus on its implications for NAFLD.

Corresponding author: Robertina Iulia Tudorascu, Lecturer, MD, PhD; e-mail: irtudorascu@gmail.com; Sorina Octavia Hontaru, Lecturer; e-mail: dr.octavia1969@yahoo.com

DOI: 10.47162/RJME.65.2.02 Download PDF
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