Adipocyte–fatty acid binding protein as a biomarker for 35 coronary atherosclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Recent studies suggested that adipocyte– fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) may have a role in mediating obesity-related metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Here, we investigated the association of baseline serum A-FABP with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis at 10 years in a Chinese cohort. Methods: A total of 408 asymptomatic subjects without a history of coronary heart disease (CHD) at baseline underwent computed tomography for coronary artery calcium score assessment (CACS) at 10-year follow-up. Results: Baseline A-FABP was significantly associated with the 10-year CACS (P<0.00001). A-FABP levels correlated with the Framingham risk score (FRS) at baseline (r=0.48, P<0.001). Significant additive effect of A-FABP to FRS in the prediction of coronary atherosclerosis at 10 years was observed, as demonstrated by significant likelihood ratios (P<0.001) and receiver operating characteristics curve analyses. On stepwise multinominal logistic regression analysis, serum A-FABP was a significant independent baseline predictor of CACS at 10 years (OR=2.04, 95% CI=1.22-3.43 for CACS 1-100 vs CACS=0, P=0.007; and OR=2.40, 95% CI=1.19-4.83 for CACS >100 vs CACS=0, P=0.014), together with age and male sex. Conclusion: A-FABP may serve as a useful marker, in combination with current risk assessment tools, to identify individuals at increased risk of CHD. Acknowledgement: This study was supported by the Hong Kong Research Grant Council (HKU7590/06M); Central Allocation (HKU 2/07C), and Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Fund (GHP/027/05).