FGF21 is induced in cisplatin nephrotoxicity to protect against kidney tubular cell injury

What is it about?

Cisplatin is a widely used cancer therapy drug, but it also induces side effects or nephrotoxicity in kidneys. The mechanism of cisplatin nephrotoxicity remains unclear. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), generally known as an endocrine factor, has recently been implicated in cellular stress response. In this study, we demonstrate FGF21 induction during cisplatin treatment of renal tubular cells in vitro and mouse kidneys in vivo. We further show the evidence for a role of P53 in FGF21 induction under these conditions. Functionally, we show that knockdown of FGF21 aggravates cisplatin-induced kidney cell death, whereas supplementation of recombinant FGF21 is protective. Interestingly, FGF21 can suppress P53 induction and activation during cisplatin treatment. It is suggested that FGF21 is induced during cisplatin nephrotoxicity to protect renal tubules, and recombinant FGF21 may have a therapeutic potential in kidneys.

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