Fatty acid-binding protein 4 is associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (FABP4) plasma levels are higher in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Endothelial dysfunction is also common in T2D. We have investigated the relationship between circulating FABP4 levels and endothelial function in diabetic patients.


METHODS
In 257 patients (105 diabetic and 152 non-diabetic) at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, we measured circulating FABP4, reactive hyperemia index (RHI) by peripheral artery tonometry, intima-media thickness, and biomarkers of inflammation, oxidation and endothelial function.


RESULTS
In T2D subjects, FABP4 was negatively associated with endothelial function, as measured by RHI (r=-0.226, P=0.05). In a stepwise multivariate linear regression model, FABP4 was a predictor of RHI in T2D patients (P=0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
Circulating levels of FABP4 are inversely associated with endothelial function in T2D patients, as measured by RHI. We suggest a direct effect of plasma FABP4 on the vascular endothelium in those with T2D.
Aragonès
Gemma
G
Research Unit on Lipids and Atherosclerosis, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Internal Medicine Department, Sant Joan University Hospital, IISPV, CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Reus, Spain.
Ferré
Raimon
R
Lázaro
Iolanda
I
Cabré
Anna
A
Plana
Núria
N
Merino
Jordi
J
Heras
Mercedes
M
Girona
Josefa
J
Masana
Lluís
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism*; D050556:Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000473:pathology; D007249:Inflammation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000737:chemistry; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012306:Risk
C493410:FABP4 protein, human; D050556:Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; D010100:Oxygen