Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a metabolic hormone induced by fasting, metabolic stress and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) defects that cause mitochondrial diseases (MitoD). Here we report that acute psychosocial stress alone (without physical exertion) decreases serum FGF21 by an average of 20% (P < 0.0001) in healthy controls, but increases FGF21 by 32% (P < 0.0001) in people with MitoD, pointing to a functional FGF21 interaction between the stress response and OxPhos capacity. We further define co-activation patterns between FGF21 and stress-related neuroendocrine hormones and report associations between FGF21 and psychosocial factors related to stress and wellbeing. Overall, these results highlight a potential role for FGF21 as a stress hormone involved in meeting the energetic needs of psychosocial stress.