Serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein levels were independently associated with carotid atherosclerosis

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) has been shown to be an important player in atherosclerosis in animal models. However, the clinical relevance of these findings is still unknown. This study aims to examine the relationship between serum A-FABP level and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), an indicator of atherosclerosis in humans.

The study cohort included 479 Chinese subjects who underwent carotid IMT measurement. Serum A-FABP levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Serum A-FABP levels positively correlated with carotid IMT in both men (r=0.211, P=0.001) and women (r=0.435, P<0.001). In women, but not in men, the presence of plaques was associated with significantly higher serum A-FABP levels (P<0.001 versus women without plaques). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that serum A-FABP level was independently associated with carotid IMT in women (P=0.034), together with age and hypertension (both P<0.001).

A-FABP is an independent determinant of carotid atherosclerosis in Chinese women, but not in men. This gender difference may be attributed to the lower serum A-FABP levels in men, and the effect of other risk factors, such as smoking, among our male participants. Our results have provided clinical evidence supporting the role of A-FABP in the development of atherosclerosis.