PubMed and EMBASE were searched until 5th September 2017 for studies that evaluated the roles of FGF21 levels in cardio-metabolic disorders.
A total of 183 and 301 entries were retrieved; 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies were identified by an additional search. Therefore, 28 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. High FGF21 levels significantly predicted the incidence of coronary artery disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.55; P < 0. 01; I2 = 48%) and the risk of metabolic syndrome (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.35-2.15; P < 0.0001 I2 = 24%). In diabetes mellitus, FGF21 predicted disease incidence or progression (HR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06-1.72, P < 0.05, I2 = 69%) and worsening renal failure (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03-1.09, P < 0.0001, I2 = 47%). FGF21 also predicted all-cause mortality (HR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.23-7.33; P < 0.05; I2 = 51%), and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.08-4.99, P < 0.05, I2 = 75%).
FGF21 significantly predicts the incidence of coronary artery disease, the risks of metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and renal progression in diabetes. It also predicted all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.