FGF21 and infarction: FGF21 not only inhibits the formation of vascular atherosclerotic plaques, but also plays a cardioprotective role by reducing myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and improving post-infarction cardiac function through anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, and regulation of energy metabolism (Hu et al., 2018; Tanajak, Chattipakorn & Chattipakorn, 2015).