FGF21 and Hepatic fibrosis: Patients were divided into two subgroups, those with (n = 6) and those without (n = 16) severe liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, based on ultrasound and/or elastography values ≥ 15.5 kPa, and significant differences in baseline levels of FGF21, an endocrine factor that becomes elevated under conditions of stress in the liver, were found.