Fig. 1

Influence of nutrition on the expression of FGF21 in the liver of dairy cows during early lactation. Negative energy balance and the occurrence of stress (ER stress, oxidative stress, inflammation) might be the main factors inducing the expression of FGF21 in the liver. Prepartum overfeeding increases hepatic expression of FGF21 in early lactation due to an increase of plasma NEFA concentrations and to an augmentation of stress as a consequence of a more severe negative energy balance. Niacin lowers FGF21 expression in dairy cows probably due to a reduction of plasma NEFA concentration. Carnitine lowers FGF21 expression in dairy cows probably due to an attenuation of fatty liver. Polyphenols, methionine and n-3 PUFA lower FGF21 expression presumably by reducing stress. For references, see text