Circulating adipocyte fatty acid binding protein is increased in chronic and acute renal dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Disease

Background:

• Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (AFABP) is linked to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• The relationship between AFABP and declining renal function was previously unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (AFABP) and deteriorating renal function.
• To determine if AFABP levels increase with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney dysfunction (AKD).

Main Methods:

• Serum AFABP levels were measured using ELISA in 532 CKD patients across all eGFR stages.
• AFABP was assessed in 32 patients before and after unilateral nephrectomy (AKD model).
• Circulating AFABP was studied in rats undergoing bilateral nephrectomy (BNE) versus sham operation.

Main Results:

• Serum AFABP levels significantly increased with declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in CKD patients.
• AFABP levels rose significantly after unilateral nephrectomy in humans and after BNE in rats.
• Changes in AFABP correlated with changes in creatinine levels post-nephrectomy.

Conclusions:

• AFABP is significantly elevated in patients with CKD and AKD.
• Circulating AFABP levels are associated with measures of renal function.
• Animal models demonstrate a strong dependence of AFABP levels on kidney function.