# Hepatic FGF21 Deletion Improves Glucose Metabolism, Alters Lipogenic and Chrna4 Gene Expression, and Enhances Telomere Maintenance in Aged Female Mice

## TL;DR

Deleting FGF21 in the liver of aged female mice improves glucose metabolism, alters fat-related genes, and preserves telomeres, suggesting a protective role against aging-related metabolic decline.

## Contribution

This study reveals novel sex-specific effects of hepatic FGF21 deletion on metabolic health and telomere maintenance in aged females.

## Key findings

- Hepatic FGF21 deletion in aged female mice improves glucose tolerance and reduces body weight.
- FGF21 deletion downregulates lipogenic genes and upregulates fatty acid oxidation markers without affecting triglyceride levels.
- Telomere length is preserved in liver and adipose tissue, and Chrna4 gene expression is significantly reduced in FGF21 knockout mice.

## Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key hormone for metabolic homeostasis under conditions such as obesity, aging and diabetes. While extensively studied in males, its role in female physiology remains poorly defined. This study evaluated the effects of hepatic FGF21 deletion in 12-month-old female mice using a liver-specific FGF21 knockout (FKO) model. FKO females exhibited reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance, with no changes in circulating FGF21 levels. In the liver, RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis, including Srebp1c, Fasn, and Scd1, was downregulated, whereas markers of fatty acid uptake (Cd36) and β-oxidation (Cpt1a) were upregulated without alterations in hepatic triglyceride content and lower levels of serum adiponectin. Remarkably, telomere length in both liver and adipose tissue was preserved, indicating improved cellular aging. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis revealed a global downregulation of genes linked to cytoskeletal organization, immune processes and fibrosis. Among these, Chrna4, a hepatocyte-specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit implicated in protection against metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), was significantly reduced. These findings suggest that hepatic FGF21 deficiency in aged female mice promotes metabolic health by limiting pro-inflammatory and fibrotic pathways and preserving telomere integrity, with Chrna4 emerging as a potential mediator.