FGF21 Reduces Lipid Accumulation in Bovine Hepatocytes by Enhancing Lipid Oxidation and Reducing Lipogenesis via AMPK Signaling

During the periparturient period, dairy cows suffer drastic metabolic stress because of plasma increased non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) that stem from a negative energy balance. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hepatokine that activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway to maintain intracellular energy balance and tissue integrity via the promotion of catabolism and the inhibition of anabolic regulation. FGF21 treatment caused a 50% reduction in triglyceride (TG) content in liver in dairy cows. However, it is not clear whether FGF21 regulates lipid metabolism in bovine liver. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of FGF21 on lipid metabolism via AMPK signaling in bovine hepatocytes. The hepatocytes isolated from calves were treated with different concentrations of FGF21 or co-treated with AMPK inhibitor (BML-275). Herein, the study showed that FGF21 significantly reduced TG content in a dose–response manner and promoted very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion via an up-regulation of the proteins (ApoB 100, ApoE and MTTP) involved in VLDL secretion. Otherwise, the genes associated with lipid transport (LDLR and CD36) and lipid oxidation (PPARGC1A, ACOX1 and CPT1A), were up-regulated following FGF21 treatment. Moreover, FGF21 treatment inhibited lipogenesis via SREBF1, ACACA, FASN and ACLY inhibition. After being co-treated with the AMPK inhibitor, FGF21-induced changes were reversed in some genes. In conclusion, these results indicate that FGF21 adaptively regulates energy metabolism for a negative impact on lipogenesis, strengthens lipid oxidation, and inhibited lipid transportation via AMPK signaling in bovine hepatocytes. The present data suggest the possibility that FGF21 has potential value in alleviating perinatal metabolic diseases in dairy cows, and specific research in vivo should be studied in more detail.