Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) analogs as possible treatment options for diabetes mellitus in veterinary patients

Ronald J Corbee; Dion L van Everdingen; Hans S Kooistra; Louis C Penning

doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.1086987

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) analogs as possible treatment options for diabetes mellitus in veterinary patients

Front Vet Sci. 2023 Jan 9:9:1086987. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1086987. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Ronald J Corbee¹, Dion L van Everdingen¹, Hans S Kooistra¹, Louis C Penning¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in numerous metabolic processes. The endocrine subfamily of FGFs, consisting of FGF19, FGF21, and FGF23, might have beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or obesity. The analog with the greatest potential, FGF21, lowers blood glucose levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and induces weight loss in several animal models. In this review we summarize recent (pre)clinical findings with FGF21 analogs in animal models and men. Furthermore, possible applications of FGF21 analogs for pets with DM will be discussed. As currently, information about the use of FGF21 analogs in pet animals is scarce.

Keywords: FGF; diabetes; endocrine; glucose; insulin; metabolism; obesity.

Publication types

Review