Concentraciones plasmáticas de FABP4 y evolución del síndrome metabólico

Abstract

Background Circulating FABP4 levels have been associated with metabolic alterations and have been considered a predictive biomarker of the development of metabolic syndrome (MS), independently of adiposity and insulin resistance in non-diabetic Asians. Objective To evaluate the relationship between changes in FABP4 levels and MS regression or progression in a group of subjects enrolled in a therapeutic lifestyle changes program. Patients and methods We included 140 subjects with abdominal obesity and increased overall cardiovascular risk, who were prospectively followed-up for 1 year. The association between changes in FABP4 levels and changes in MS and its components was evaluated. Changes in other biochemical parameters, anthropometric markers and vascular data were also investigated. Results We observed an increase in FABP4 levels associated with MS progression and a reduction in FABP4 levels associated with MS regression. The increase in FABP4 levels was associated with the development of both triglyceridemia and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, while FABP4 reductions were associated with regression of abdominal obesity, low HDL-cholesterol and the basal glycemia criteria of MS. The predictors of MS progression were positive changes in insulin and waist circumference. The only independent predictor of MS regression was reduction in FABP4. Conclusions Variations in circulating FABP4 levels are associated with MS progression and regression. Given the impact of FABP4 on several MS components, a causal relationship between FABP4 reduction and MS regression cannot be excluded.