The adipokine fatty-acid binding protein 4 and cardiac remodeling

Abstract

Background: Previous publications about the association between fatty-acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and cardiac remodeling have reported different, both beneficial and harmful, associations. Aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the association of FABP4 with parameters of myocardial remodeling defined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Methods: We investigated plasma FABP4 levels in 331 patients (71% men, mean age 63±13 years) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 55%) who underwent a CMR examination. We used linear cox regression to investigate associations between FABP4 and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), right ventricular enddiastolic diameter (RVEDD), relative wall thickness (RWT), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and LVEF (unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, cardiac biomarkers, and comorbidities). Results: FABP4 levels were associated with lower LVMI and higher NT-proBNP levels in an adjusted model. The inverse association between FABP4 and LVMI was more pronounced in lower FABP4 levels, whereas the positive association between FABP4 and NT-proBNP was more pronounced in relatively high NT-proBNP levels. Conclusions: Possible beneficial and harmful associations between FABP4 and left ventricular size have been reported. Our results suggest a beneficial association with LVMI (more pronounced in lower FABP4 levels) but a harmful association with NT-proBNP (more pronounced in higher FABP4 levels). Therefore, our results might indicate a potential dose-dependent association of FABP4, but this observation needs further investigation in larger study samples.

Prognostic value of NT-proBNP in patients with chronic coronary syndrome and normal left ventricular systolic function according to glucose status: a prospective cohort study

“…Interestingly, more uses for this biomarker have been discovered in recent years. For example, Von Jeinsen et al [ 7 ] found that there was a strong, positive association of NT-proBNP with fatty-acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) levels, while FABP4 may have a dose-dependent association with cardiac remodeling. A recently published study showed that NT-proBNP was a useful biomarker of cardiac conditions in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation [ 8 ].…”

Association of free fatty acid binding protein with central aortic stiffness, myocardial dysfunction and preserved ejection fraction heart failure

“…In addition to its possible influences on central hemodynamics, higher a-FABP levels may also contribute to the development of HFpEF via distinct pathophysiology. For example, higher circulating a-FABP has been shown to correlate with adverse cardiac remodeling 45 . Liu et al reported that a-FABP-related cardiac remodeling and cardiac dysfunction may contribute to the development of HF 14 .…”

Association between adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein with left ventricular remodelling and diastolic function in type 2 diabetes: a prospective echocardiography study

“…Our findings that circulating AFABP level positively correlated with baseline LV mass in T2DM patients concurred with some of the prior studies performed in obese individuals [ 21 ] and patients with obstructive sleep apnea [ 33 ]. Although some other studies have shown an inverse relationship between circulating AFABP level and LV mass [ 22 , 23 ], it was recently suggested that the association between LV mass and AFABP level followed a slightly U-shaped curve [ 23 ]. In that study, the inverse relation between AFABP and LV mass was most pronounced in AFABP levels below their sex-specific median (18.6 ng/mL in men and 30.69 ng/mL in women), while LV mass began to increase when AFABP was at high levels especially in women.…”

“…AFABP has been associated with diastolic dysfunction in the general population [ 19 ], as well as in morbidly obese individuals [ 20 ]. On the other hand, while previous studies demonstrated that elevated AFABP level was associated with increased LV mass in overweight and obese individuals [ 21 ], two recent studies reported an inverse relationship [ 22 , 23 ]. Moreover, although it is increasingly recognized that LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction is common in T2DM patients, the relationship between AFABP and LV remodelling in T2DM remains to be elucidated.…”