Association between serum fibroblast growth factor 21 level and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Issue 1 (31st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jin, Shi; Xia, Ning; Han, Lingling
• Is Part Of: BMJ open diabetes research and care. Volume 9:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-31
• Subjects: diabetic retinopathy -- biomarkers -- diabetes mellitus -- type 2; Diabetes -- Periodicals; 616.462005
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2021-002126
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-4897

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: We conducted this cross-sectional study to explore the relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) level and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR). Research design and methods: A total of 654 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was evaluated by the bilateral retinal photography, and patients were assigned into groups of no DR (NDR) (n=345, 52.75%), non-sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (NSTDR) (n=207, 31.65%), involving patients with mild or moderate non-proliferative retinopathy (NPDR) and STDR (n=102, 15.60%), including those with severe NPDR or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Serum FGF21 levels were quantified by a sandwich ELISA. Patients were divided into quartiles according to their serum FGF21 level. Results: There was a significant difference in serum FGF21 level among the three groups of patients (p<0.01). Compared with other quartiles (Q1–Q3), the patients in Q4 had a higher prevalence of DR and STDR (p<0.05). Compared with Q1, a positive association was observed between serum FGF21 level and DR in Q3 and Q4 (p<0.01). After adjusting for age, gender and other risk factors, serum FGF21 level in Q4 was found to be associated with increased risk of DR and STDR (p<0.01). Serum FGF21 level was noted as an independent risk factor for DR and STDR (p<0.01). Serum FGF21 level >478.76 pg/mL suggested the occurrence of DR and that level >554.69 pg/mL indicated STDR (p<0.01). Conclusions: Serum FGF21 level was a biomarker for the risk of developing DR or STDR. The risk of STDR increased when the serum FGF21 level of patients with type 2 diabetes was >554.69 pg/mL.