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Updated: May 15, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein is associated with impaired endothelial function in nondialysis chronic

Teoh Ling Lun1, Yu-Li Lin1,2,3,4, Chih-Hsien Wang1,2,3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.

Tzu Chi Medical Journal
|May 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is linked to poorer endothelial function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients not on dialysis. Higher A-FABP levels independently predict reduced vascular reactivity, suggesting its role as a biomarker for endothelial dysfunction in CKD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Nephrology
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in cardiovascular complications in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is associated with atherosclerosis.
  • The relationship between A-FABP and endothelial function in nondialysis CKD patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between serum A-FABP levels and endothelial function in patients with CKD who are not undergoing dialysis.
  • To determine if A-FABP can serve as a biomarker for endothelial dysfunction in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Serum A-FABP levels were measured in 151 adult CKD patients not on dialysis using enzyme immunoassay.
  • Endothelial function was assessed noninvasively using digital thermal monitoring (DTM) to calculate the vascular reactivity index (VRI).
  • Statistical analyses, including multivariable linear models, were used to identify correlations.

Main Results:

  • Poor vascular reactivity was observed in 17.9% of participants.
  • Poor reactivity correlated with older age, higher blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio, and serum A-FABP, as well as lower estimated glomerular filtration rate.
  • Adjusted models showed that age, log-glucose, and serum A-FABP were negatively associated with VRI.

Conclusions:

  • Higher serum A-FABP levels are independently associated with reduced vascular reactivity in nondialysis CKD patients.
  • These findings suggest that A-FABP may play a role in endothelial dysfunction in CKD.
  • Serum A-FABP shows potential as a biomarker for endothelial dysfunction in patients with CKD not on dialysis.
Abstract

Keywords:
Adipocyte fatty acid–binding proteinChronic kidney diseaseDigital thermal monitoring testEndothelial functionVascular reactivity index

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