They showed that hyperlipidemia and obesity are more prevalent in patients with pterygium due to lower FGF21 serum levels.[23] Moreover, consistent with our findings, a study by Wente et al showed that FGF21 reduced lipid levels and improved lipid metabolism in rats.[24] In the study by Zhang et al, the administration of FGF21 to type I diabetics diminished apoptosis, improved lipid metabolism, reduced fat accumulation in the organs, and decreased oxidative stress. This evidence concerns the gene FGF21 and pterygium.