The serum fibroblast growth factor 21 is correlated with retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Aims despite advances in blood glucose control, the incidence of sight loss has not decreased in patients with diabetes. Several growth factors have been suggested as factors associated with diabetic retinopathy pathogenesis. In the current cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between FGF21 and retinopathy as a microvascular complication of diabetes. Methods Adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); were recruited and evaluated for retinopathy. Different clinical and biochemical factors, such as FGF21 were assessed and compared between groups. Results 91 T2DM patients with retinopathy, 93 T2DM patients without retinopathy, and 86 healthy control subjects were recruited. FGF21 was significantly different between the three groups (P Conclusion FGF21 was associated with diabetic retinopathy and can be suggested as a surrogate diagnostic marker in the diagnosis of this state.