Mild cold exposure modulates fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) diurnal rhythm in humans: relationship between FGF21 levels, lipolysis, and cold-induced thermogenesis.
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ABSTRACT: Cold exposure stimulates fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) secretion in animals, enhancing the cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) response through browning of white adipose tissue. In humans, the effects of cold exposure on circulating FGF21 levels are unknown.Our objective was to evaluate the effects of mild cold exposure on circulating FGF21 and its relationship with CIT and lipolysis in humans.We conducted a randomized, single-blind, crossover intervention study at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.Participants were healthy adults.Subjects were exposed to a 12-h exposure to 24 or 19 C in a whole-room indirect calorimeter.Energy expenditure, plasma FGF 21, nonesterified fatty acid, and adipose tissue microdialysis glycerol concentrations were evaluated.At 24 C, plasma FGF21 exhibited a diurnal rhythm, peaking at 0800 h [110 (59-178) pg/ml], and progressively dropped to a nadir at 1700 h [41 (21-71) pg/ml, P < 0.0001] before rising at 1900 h [60 (11-81) pg/ml, P < 0.0001]. Exposure at 19 C lessened the diurnal reduction of FGF21 observed at 24 C from 0800-1700 h and augmented overall FGF21 levels by 37 ± 45% (P = 0.01). The change in area under the curve plasma FGF21 between 19 and 24 C correlated positively with the change in area under the curve adipose microdialysate glycerol (R(2) = 0.35, P = 0.04) but not with nonesterified fatty acid. Cold-induced increase in FGF21 predicted greater rise in energy expenditure during cold exposure (? = 0.66, P = 0.027), independent of age, gender, fat mass, and lean mass.Mild cold exposure increased circulating FGF21 levels, predicting greater lipolysis and CIT. A small reduction in environmental temperature is sufficient to modulate FGF21 diurnal rhythm in humans, which may mediate cold-induced metabolic changes similar to those in animals.
SUBMITTER: Lee P
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3537100 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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