Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 levels are related to subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a glucose and lipid metabolic regulator, has recently been demonstrated to be associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as carotid atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and carotid artery plaques. However, the relationship between circulating FGF21 and subclinical atherosclerosis or atherosclerosis of other arteries such as the femoral and iliac artery remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the association of serum FGF21 with intima-media thickness (IMT) and subclinical atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods Serum FGF21 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 212 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients without clinical symptoms of atherosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases. IMT of the carotid, femoral, and iliac arteries were measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound to determine the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, which was defined as having an IMT > 1.0 mm and/or plaque on one or more of the three arteries without any clinical manifestations. The relationship between serum FGF21 levels and subclinical atherosclerosis was analyzed. Results Serum FGF21 levels were significantly higher in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis compared to those without [261.3 (135.1–396.4) versus 144.9 (95.9–223.0) ng/L, P