Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism

Abstract

2/2023 vol. 29
Original paper

Assessment of fibroblast growth factor 21 in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in relation to microvascular complications

Nermien M. Tantawy 1
,
Eman M. Sherif 1
,
Randa M. Matter 1
,
Nouran Y. Salah 1
,
Nour Eldin H. Abozeid 2
,
Heba M. Atif 3
  1. Paediatrics Department, Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
  2. Opthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
  3. Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2023; 29 (2): 67-74
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pedm.2022.121372
Online publish date: 2023/05/26
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Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) represents a growing global health problem with significant morbidity. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an adipokine expressed predominantly in the liver that plays an important role in metabolic regulation.

Aim of the study

This study assesses FGF21 levels in children with DM1, in comparison to controls, and correlates them with diabetes duration, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and diabetic microvascular complications.

Material and methods

Fifty children with DM1, aged between 5 and 16 years, were studied regarding their diabetes duration, HbA1c, urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), fundus, and FGF21 level. They were compared to 50 healthy controls.

Results

The median FGF21 of the studied children with DM1 was 150 pg/ml, range 50–350 pg/ml; while that of the controls was 35 pg/ml, range 20–50 pg/ml. FGF21 level was significantly higher in children with DM1 than in controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, it was significantly and positively correlated with diabetes duration, mean blood glucose level, and HbA1c (p < 0.001, p = 0.015, p = 0.018, respectively). Interestingly, the FGF21 level was not significantly elevated in children with DM1 having diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy (p = 0.122, p = 0.298, respectively).

Conclusions

FGF21 is significantly higher among children with DM1 than in controls. However, its role in diabetic microvascular complica-tions needs further assessment.

Keywords

FGF21, children, type 1 diabetes mellitus

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