The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of plasma fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 with angiographically significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Serum FGF-21 was measured in 120 patients undergoing coronary angiography. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the presence/absence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and of significant CAD. The atherosclerotic burden was obtained by two angiographic scores: Gensini score (GS) and Extent score (ES). FGF-21 levels were higher in type 2 diabetes mellitus than in non-diabetic patients (P = 0.014). FGF-21 levels were significantly correlated with GS (r = 0.358, P < 0.001) and ES (r = 0.324, P < 0.001) in univariate analysis with all patients. After adjusting for several confounding factors, both GS and ES were associated with FGF-21 in all patients (r = 0.271, P = 0.014; r = 0.217, P = 0.041, respectively). However, FGF-21 lost significant correlation with both GS and ES with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the final model. The patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and CAD feature had elevated FGF-21 levels. Despite of a limited role in diabetic patients, FGF-21 levels are independently associated with angiographic severity and extent of CAD.Graphical Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with complex etiology involving multiple factors. Current treatment methods are highly limited and there is a strong need for the development of safer and efficacious agents. We have previously shown that a water-soluble extract derived from hardy kiwifruit Actinidia arguta, called PG102, shows potent anti-inflammatory effects. Based on its reported biological activities, the effects of PG102 were examined on imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation. Our results showed that topical application of PG102 ameliorates clinical symptoms of psoriasis, reducing skin thickness and Interleukin (IL)-17A level in draining lymph nodes without causing any adverse effects. Treatment with PG102 on cytokine-stimulated HaCaT cells suppressed hyperproliferation and downregulated the expression of various chemokines and antimicrobial peptides known to induce neutrophil infiltration. These anti-inflammatory activities of PG102 were mediated via inhibition of NF-κB and signal transducer of activation (STAT) signaling. We also found decreased neutrophil chemotaxis both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, PG102 has potential as a safe and effective reagent for the treatment of psoriasis.
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