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  • Original Article
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Clinical Studies and Practice

Lack of Day/Night variation in fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in young healthy men

Abstract

Background:

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is an endocrine factor with an emerging role as a metabolic regulator. We previously reported the presence of a significant day/night variation of FGF-21 in energy-replete, healthy female subjects. However the day/night patterns of secretion in male subjects remain to be fully elucidated. To elucidate day/night pattern of FGF-21 levels in male subjects in the energy-replete state, its relationship to FFA and to investigate whether a sexual dimorphism exists in FGF-21 physiology.

Methods:

Eight healthy lean male subjects were studied for up to 5 days while on an isocaloric diet. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of FGF-21 and free fatty acids (FFA) hourly from 0800 AM on day 4 till 0800AM on day 5.

Results:

FGF-21 did not exhibit any statistically significant day/night variation pattern of circulating FGF-21 levels during the isocaloric fed state in male subjects. FGF-21 levels in male subjects are closely cross-correlated with FFA levels, similar to female subjects.

Conclusions:

A sexual dimorphism exists in FGF-21 physiology; that as opposed to female subjects, no significant day/night variation exists in FGF-21 rhythm in male subjects in the energy-replete state. Circulating pattern of FGF-21, similar to the female subjects, was highly cross-correlated to the FFA levels in the male subjects, signifying that the sexual dimorphism in FGF-21 physiology may be related to the differing lipid metabolism in both the genders.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health National Center for Research Resources grant M01-RR-01032 (Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center for Research Resources or the National Institutes of Health. Clinical trial registration: NCT00140231.

Author Contributions

JPF wrote manuscript, researched data, performed lab work; KNA analyzed the data, wrote manuscript; JPC peformed lab work; CSM is the principal investigator, designed and supervised the study and reviewed and edited the manuscript.

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Correspondence to C S Mantzoros.

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Foo, JP., Aronis, K., Chamberland, J. et al. Lack of Day/Night variation in fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in young healthy men. Int J Obes 39, 945–948 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2014.215

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