Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is cytokine involved in the regulation of multiple systems. Because it has regularly been shown to be increased in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, it has been suggested that GDF-15 could be used as a biomarker for these diseases and their severity. However, several studies have demonstrated that GDF-15 has a protective role in regulation of inflammation, endothelial cell function, insulin sensitivity, weight gain, and is cardioprotective in myocardial infarction (MI). While GDF-15 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of many conditions including cancer, this review focuses on the potential functions of GDF-15 and signaling pathways implicated in its role regulating metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and the cardiovascular system.
Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Diabetes; GDF-15.
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