Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) gene expression is altered by a wide array of physiological, metabolic, and environmental factors. Among dietary factors, high dextrose, low protein, methionine restriction, short-chain fatty acids (butyric acid and lipoic acid), and all-trans-retinoic acid were repeatedly shown to induce FGF21 expression and circulating levels. These effects are usually more pronounced in liver or isolated hepatocytes than in adipose tissue or isolated fat cells. Although peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a key mediator of hepatic FGF21 expression and function, including the regulation of gluconeogenesis, ketogenesis, torpor, and growth inhibition, there is increasing evidence of PPARα-independent transactivation of the FGF21 gene by dietary molecules. FGF21 expression is believed to follow the circadian rhythm and be placed under the control of first order clock-controlled transcription factors, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs) and nuclear receptors subfamily 1 group D (REV-ERBs), with FGF21 rhythm being anti-phase to REV-ERBs. Key metabolic hormones such as glucagon, insulin, and thyroid hormone have presumed or clearly demonstrated roles in regulating FGF21 transcription and secretion. The control of the FGF21 gene by glucagon and insulin appears more complex than first anticipated. Some discrepancies are noted and will need continued studies. The complexity in assessing the significance of FGF21 gene expression resides in the difficulty to ascertain (i) when transcription results in local or systemic increase of FGF21 protein; (ii) if FGF21 is among the first or second order genes upregulated by physiological, metabolic, and environmental stimuli, or merely an epiphenomenon; and (iii) whether FGF21 may have some adverse effects alongside beneficial outcomes.
Keywords: butyric acid; curcumin; lipoic acid; methionine; retinoic acid.