Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) attenuates tacrolimus-induced hepatic lipid accumulation through transcription factor EB (TFEB)-regulated lipophagy

Tacrolimus (TAC), also called FK506, is one of the classical immunosuppressants to prevent allograft rejection after liver transplantation. However, it has been proved to be associated with post-transplant hyperlipemia. The mechanism behind this is unknown, and it is urgent to explore preventive strategies for hyperlipemia after transplantation. Therefore, we established a hyperlipemia mouse model to investigate the mechanism, by injecting TAC intraperitoneally for eight weeks. After TAC treatment, the mice developed hyperlipemia (manifested as elevated triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), as well as decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c)). Accumulation of lipid droplets was observed in the liver. In addition to lipid accumulation, TAC induced inhibition of the autophagy-lysosome pathway (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 & beta; (LC3B) II/I and LC3B II/actin ratios, transcription factor EB (TFEB), protein 62 (P62), and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1)) and downregulation of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in vivo. Overexpression of FGF21 may reverse TAC-induced TG accumulation. In this mouse model, the recombinant FGF21 protein ameliorated hepatic lipid accumulation and hyperlipemia through repair of the autophagy-lysosome pathway. We conclude that TAC downregulates FGF21 and thus exacerbates lipid accumulation by impairing the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Recombinant FGF21 protein treatment could therefore reverse TAC-caused lipid accumulation and hypertriglyceridemia by enhancing autophagy.

Automated summary

Tacrolimus (TAC) is an immunosuppressant commonly used after liver transplantation, but it is associated with post-transplant hyperlipemia. The mechanism behind this is unclear, and there is a need to explore preventive strategies for hyperlipemia. In a mouse model, we found that TAC treatment led to hyperlipemia and lipid accumulation in the liver. TAC also inhibited the autophagy-lysosome pathway and downregulated fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Overexpression of FGF21 reversed TAC-induced lipid accumulation and hyperlipemia by enhancing autophagy.