Abstract 3702: Serum Adipocyte Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Levels are Independently Associated with Coronary Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background : Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) has been shown to play an important role in atherosclerosis in animal models. However, the clinical relevance of these findings is still unknown. We investigated the association between serum A-FABP level and coronary atherosclerosis. Methods : 221 patients with stable angina were enrolled after coronary angiography. The plaque volume in the non-culprit vessel (without angiographically documented coronary stenosis [<50%]) was determined with intravascular ultrasound, when these patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. The serum A-FABP and adiponection levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Serum A-FABP levels and adiponectin levels in patients with coronary artery disease were correlated with percent plaque volume (r=0.414, p=0.001, and r=−0.328, p=0.01, respectively). Other proinflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and high sensitive C-reactive protein were not associated with percent plaque volume. Serum A-FABP levels were correlated with serum adiponectin levels (r=−0.318, p=0.002) and tended to be correlated with body mass index (r=−0.218, p=0.08), but not with other inflammatory markers. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that serum A-FABP level was selected as a factor associated with coronary percent plaque volume (p<0.001). Conclusions: A-FABP is independently associated with coronary atheromatous plaque burden. Our results have provided clinical evidence supporting the role of A-FABP in coronary atherosclerosis.