Accumulating evidence supported an association between diabetes and
fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). The goal of the present study was to explore alteration in serum FGF23 levels and to assess its value for identifying subclinical
atherosclerosis in normoglycemic individuals with a first-degree family history of diabetes (
FHD). The study enrolled 312 subjects with a first-degree
FHD and 1407 subjects without an
FHD. Serum FGF23 levels were detected by a sandwich
enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay. Serum FGF23 levels were much higher in subjects with a first-degree
FHD than in those without an
FHD (P = 0.006). A first-degree
FHD was positively associated with serum FGF23 levels, independent of C-IMT and cardiovascular factors (both P < 0.05). In subjects with a first-degree
FHD, only those with serum FGF23 levels in the upper quartile were more likely to have an increased C-IMT (odds ratio = 2.263, P < 0.05). As conclusions, a first-degree
FHD contributes to the increased serum FGF23 levels independently. Subjects with a first-degree
FHD need higher serum FGF23 levels to indicate subclinical
atherosclerosis. The influence of a first-degree
FHD on serum FGF23 levels should be considered to avoid overestimating the risk of
cardiovascular disease in normoglycemic individuals with a first-degree
FHD.