Fibroblast growth factor 19 protects the heart from oxidative stress-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy via activation of AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Diabetes affects cardiac structure and function, where it leads to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by oxidative stress play an important role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19, an enterokine, is synthesized and released into the ileum. In the present study, we revealed that FGF19 induced an antioxidant response through stimulating the expression of nuclear erythroid factor 2 (NE-F2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and as well as reducing ROS production through the AMPK signaling pathway. Additionally, AMPK inhibition by the AMPK-specific inhibitor compound C decreased Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression. Taken together, these results suggested that FGF19, through the anti-oxidative defense system, attenuated the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and restored cardiac function. •FGF19 Improves Cardiac Dysfunction and Fibrosis in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.•FGF19 Prevent Cardiac Oxidative Stress in the Diabetic Heart.•FGF 19 induces expression Nrf2/HO-1 signaling axis through activation of AMPK.