In a recent study, researchers focused on Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF-21) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). FGF-21 is a marker for liver damage and a drug target in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but its implications in HCV are less understood. Forty-five HCV patients were monitored throughout DAA treatment. An increase in FGF-21 post-treatment suggests improved liver function, particularly in liver fibrosis, challenging previous beliefs about its association with liver fat content. The study stresses a need for more research on FGF-21’s role in different liver disease states and its potential as a therapeutic target. It also highlights the increased FGF-21 levels following successful HCV treatment with DAAs, suggesting a shift in understanding of FGF-21’s role in liver health, particularly in the context of HCV.

Reference: Biagi F, Carlomagno F, Carbone M, et al. Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Potential Non-Invasive Biomarker of Liver Status upon Viral Eradication. Metabolites. 2023 Oct 30;13(11):1119. doi: 10.3390/metabo13111119. PMID: 37999215; PMCID: PMC10673401.