Perspective of FGF-21, a new metabolic regulator in neurocontrol of circulation and pathological process of hypertension

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) plays a crucial role in metabolic disorders, such obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, and the secondary hypertension is the most common complication for these metabolic disorders. Intriguingly, several lines of evidence point out the potential involvement of FGF21 in not only secondary but also primary hypertension. However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are remained unknown. In this short and perspective review, we highlight the potential connection between the FGF-21 and hypertension by several direct and indirect evidences based upon the current literatures and our preliminary observation. Additionally, the current evidence also indicates the limitation of Myalept, a leptin-like medication approved by FDA at 2014, that has been used for the treatment of systemic metabolism disorder of adipose tissue. Taken all these data together, the FGF-21, a new metabolic regulator, would be a promising linkage factor between metabolic and circulatory systems and potential drug target for both metabolic disorders and hypertension. Journal of Nature and Science, 1(5):e93, 2015