Changes in Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels Associated with Alcohol Consumption and Smoking Cessation

Background Alcohol consumption was shown to increase endogenous fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), but knowledge about the effect of alcohol cessation on FGF21 is limited. The effects of cigarette smoking and cessation on FGF21 levels are unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate moderate alcohol and cigarette consumption and its cessation on FGF21 levels Methods This is a secondary analysis of two prospective intervention studies. Study 1: 10 healthy men undergoing a beer or water intervention with blood sampling over 720 minutes. Difference in FGF21 levels between alcohol and water intake was assessed using a mixed effect model. Study 2: 144 alcohol-drinking men or women undergoing 12-week intervention of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist dulaglutide vs placebo on smoking and alcohol cessation. Difference in FGF21 levels after 12 weeks of treatment with GLP-1 in persistent drinkers/smokers compared to those who had stopped drinking/smoking, using mixed effect models. Results Study 1: FGF21 levels at 240 minutes following beer intake were higher compared to water intake (1,386.0pg/ml (95% CI 934.55; 1,837.44), p<0.001). Study 2: Participants who stopped drinking alcohol had lower FGF21 levels compared to persistent drinkers (-228.65pg/ml (95% CI -440.4; -14.6), p=0.03). Smoking cessation had no effect on FGF21 levels (p=0.13). Conclusion Our findings demonstrate a dynamic response in FGF21 levels, with acute moderate alcohol consumption inducing elevated FGF21 levels, and cessation of drinking lowering FGF21 levels, indicative of potential liver recovery. No effect of cigarette smoking cessation on plasma FGF21 levels was observed.