Fatty Acid Binding Protein Levels Research Articles

Serum Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4 Levels in Adolescents: Effect of Insulin Resistance.

Background: Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is an adipokine that plays a causative role in obesity and diabetes. In a stratified cross-sectional study with adolescents, we explored whether changes in FABP4 are already present in lean adolescents, provided they display elements of insulin resistance (IR). Methods: Adolescents were divided in four groups according to body mass index and homeostasis model assessment-IR. Results: In metabolically unhealthy lean (MUL) adolescents (MUL, lean with IR), FABP4 was 33% higher than in healthy counterparts (metabolically healthy lean [MHL]). Obese adolescents without IR (metabolically healthy obesity [MHO]) had 50% higher levels of FABP4 than their lean counterparts (MHL), while levels of FABP4 in obese adolescents with IR (metabolically unhealthy obese [MUO]) were 220% higher than those of MUL adolescents. The differences were significant at least with P < 0.005. MUO > MHO > MUL. Our data demonstrate that the known FABP4 defect in adults with obesity also occurs in youth and even in lean adolescents, suggesting an early association between impaired glucose metabolism and FABP4 irrespective of body weight. FABP4 was more sensitive in discerning each of our 4 subgroups than either adiponectin or leptin. Moreover, evidence for a putative early adiponectin resistance in MUL suggests a combined defect in these adolescents that call for early detection and prevention of the metabolic disturbance that should stay away from concentrating only in subjects with obesity. Conclusions: Our data may serve to draw the considerable attention that is currently paid to FABP4 to the adolescent population, irrespective of the presence of obesity. Further studies with larger cohorts and analyses of visceral and liver fat are warranted.

Simvastatin Combined with Resistance Training Improves Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure by Modulating Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Signaling Pathways.

Background Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the end stage of cardiac disease with a 5-year mortality rate reaching 50%. Simvastatin is an antioxidant with lipid-lowering effects, which is commonly used to treat CHF. Resistance training is a nondrug treatment for CHF and exerts a positive effect on both the myocardial structure and function. Objective This study is aimed at exploring the effects and outcomes of simvastatin combined with resistance training on the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of peripheral blood lymphocytes and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway in patients with CHF. Methods One hundred and eleven patients with CHF were allocated to the control group (CNG) (n = 55) and intervention group (IG) (n = 56) using the random number table method. The CNG received simvastatin treatment only, whereas the IG received simvastatin treatment plus resistance training. Treatment efficacy, diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVST), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDD), MMP fluorescence intensity, JAK mRNA and STAT3 mRNA relative expression levels, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), galectin-3, interleukin-6 (IL-6), N-terminal–probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) levels were compared in both groups. Results After 6 months of treatment, diastolic IVST, LVDD, and serum levels of CRP, galectin-3, IL-6, NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, and H-FABP decreased in both groups and were lower in the IG than in the CNG (P < 0.05), whereas LVEF, JAK and STAT3 mRNA relative expression levels, and MMP fluorescence intensity of peripheral blood lymphocytes were higher in the IG than in the CNG (P < 0.05). Conclusion Simvastatin combined with resistance training improves heart function and reduces myocardial damage as well as the occurrence of adverse cardiac events compared with simvastatin alone. The mechanism may be related to the increase of expression of MMP, JAK, and STAT3, the regulation of MMP and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways in peripheral lymphocytes, the alleviation of mitochondrial damage, and the inhibition of inflammatory response.

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 protects intestinal mucosal barrier function by reducing epithelial tight-junction damage in rats undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BackgroundIschemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) to the small intestine is associated with the development of systemic inflammation and multiple organ failure after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It has been reported that exogenous carbon monoxide (CO) reduces IRI. This study aimed to assess the effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) on intestinal mucosal barrier function in rats undergoing CPR. MethodsWe established a rat model of asphyxiation-induced cardiac arrest (CA) and resuscitation to study intestinal IRI, and measured the serum levels of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein. Morphological changes were investigated using light and electron microscopes. The expression levels of claudin 3 (CLDN3), occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 were detected by western blotting. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, histological changes and transmission electron microscopy revealed severe intestinal mucosal injury in the CPR and inactive CORM-2 (iCORM-2) groups. In contrast, CORM-2 alleviated intestinal IRI. CORM-2, unlike iCORM-2, markedly decreased the Chiu's scores (2.38 ± 0.38 vs. 4.59 ± 0.34; P < 0.05) and serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein level (306.10 ± 19.22 vs. 585.64 ± 119.84 pg/mL; P < 0.05) compared with the CPR group. In addition, CORM-2 upregulated the expression levels of tight junction proteins (CLDN3, OCLN, and ZO-1) (P < 0.05) and downregulated those of IL-10, TNF-α, and NF-кB p65 (P < 0.05) in the ileum tissue of rats that received CPR. ConclusionsCORM-2 prevented intestinal mucosal damage as a result of IRI during CPR. The underlying protective mechanism was associated with inhibition of ischemia-reperfusion-induced changes in intestinal epithelial permeability and inflammation in intestinal tissue.

Association between Serum Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein Level and Endothelial Dysfunction in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients.

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) is associated with atherosclerosis, and endothelial dysfunction is one of the reasons for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This study investigated the correlation between serum A-FABP levels and endothelial function in HD patients. Fasting blood samples were collected from 90 HD patients. A-FABP levels were measured using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit. Endothelial function was evaluated by a digital thermal monitoring test to measure vascular reactivity index (VRI). VRI < 1.0, 1.0 ≤ VRI < 2.0, and VRI ≥ 2.0 indicated poor, intermediate, and good vascular reactivity, respectively. In total, 14 (15.6%), 38 (42.2%), and 38 (42.2%) HD patients had poor, intermediate, and good VRI, respectively. Patients with poor VRI had lower pre-HD and post-HD body weight, body mass index, and serum creatinine level but higher serum A-FABP level (p = 0.001) than those with intermediate and good VRI. Log-transformed VRI (log-VRI) positively correlated with serum creatinine and negatively correlated with A-FABP by multivariate linear regression analysis. We concluded that A-FABP correlated with endothelial dysfunction in chronic HD patients.

Exendin-4 alleviates steatosis in an in vitro cell model by lowering FABP1 and FOXA1 expression via the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading chronic liver disease worldwide. Agonists of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), currently approved to treat type 2 diabetes, hold promise to improve steatosis and even steatohepatitis. However, due to their pleiotropic effects, the mechanisms underlying their protective effect on NAFLD remain elusive. We aimed to investigate these mechanisms using an in vitro model of steatosis treated with the GLP-1R agonist Exendin-4 (Ex-4). We established steatotic HepG2 cells by incubating the cells with 400 µM oleic acid (OA) overnight. Further treatment with 200 nM Ex-4 for 3 h significantly reduced the OA-induced lipid accumulation (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, Ex-4 substantially reduced the expression levels of Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 1 (FABP1) and its primary activator, Forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1). Interestingly, the silencing of β-catenin with siRNA abolished the effect of Ex-4 on these genes, suggesting dependency on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Additionally, after β-catenin silencing, OA treatment significantly increased the expression of nuclear transcription factors SREBP-1 and TCF4, whereas Ex-4 significantly decreased this upregulation. Our findings suggest that direct activation of GLP-1R by Ex-4 reduces OA-induced steatosis in HepG2 cells by reducing fatty acid uptake and transport via FABP1 downregulation.

Abstract TP257: Association Of Depressive Symptoms, Carotid Stenosis And The Co-occurrence Of Both With Inflammatory Markers In An Elderly Panamanian Cohort

Objective: The relationship between depressive symptoms (DS) and carotid stenosis (CS) in elderly individuals has received a lot of attention recently, with conflicting results. Attempts to look for several serum inflammatory markers that could correlate with both conditions have also been made, mainly in Caucasian population. The purpose of this study is to examine associations between DS, CS, and seven inflammatory markers in an elderly Panamanian cohort. Methods: A sample of 136 elder individuals underwent Doppler sonography to estimate the presence of CS. DS were assessed with the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30). Blood samples were obtained and the following inflammatory markers were determined: Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), fatty acid-binding protein (FABP), factor VII (FVII), I-309, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP). Analyses of the relationship between functional abilities and biomarkers across different groups were conducted using multivariate analyses of covariance. Results: Participants with DS conserved fewer activities of daily living (ADL) abilities (p&lt;0.000), had higher levels of B2M (p&lt;0.000) and decreased levels of FABP (p=0.009). Patients with CS conserved fewer ADL abilities (p&lt;0.000) and had higher levels of B2M (p=0.001). Subjects with DS and CS conserved fewer ADL abilities (p&lt;0.000), had increased levels of B2M (p&lt;0.000), and ICAM-1 (p=0.46). There were no significant multivariate effects for years of education, I-309, PP, factor VII, and TARC. Conclusions: In the present study, it was found that DS were associated with lower ADL abilities, increased levels of B2M, and decreased levels of FABP. CS was associated with lower ADL abilities and increased B2M, and significant associations were observed with the co-occurrence of CS and DS with lower ADL abilities, increased levels of B2M and ICAM-1. The implications of these significant effects could be pointing in the direction that inflammation may considerably modulate the association between CS and DS in non-Caucasian population.

Effect of growth differentiation factor 11 on the steatosis of condylar chondrocytes in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritic mice.

To observe the effect of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) on the steatosis of condylar chondrocytes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritic mice. Six-week-old female C57 mice were stimulated with unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) and locally injected with GDF11. TMJ sections were stained with safranin O, and GDF11 and Adiponectin in the TMJ cartilage were detected by immunohistochemical staining. GDF11, Adiponectin, type Ⅱ collagen (Col-Ⅱ), Aggrecan, type Ⅰ collagen (Col-Ⅰ), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and Perilipin 1 mRNA were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). The thickness and safranin O-positive area of TMJ cartilage in the UAC groups, as well as the mRNA expression of Col-Ⅱ and aggrecan, significantly decreased. The ratio of Adiponectin-positive cells significantly increased. The mRNA expression levels of Col-Ⅰ, Adiponectin, FABP4, and Perilipin 1 significantly increased. The TMJ cartilage of the GDF11 injection groups significantly thickened, and the safranin O-positive area significantly increased. The mRNA expression of Col-Ⅱ and Aggrecan significantly increased. The ratio of Adiponectin-positive cells significantly decreased. The mRNA expression levels of Col-I, Adiponectin, FABP4, and Perilipin 1 significantly decreased. Extensive steatosis of chondrocytes and decreased expression of GDF11 in the degenerated cartilage of TMJ osteoarthritis are induced by UAC stimulation. Supplementation of exogenous GDF11 can effectively inhibit the steatosis of chondrocytes.

Metformin use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: lower inflammation, oxidative stress, and thrombotic risk markers and better clinical outcomes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a greater risk of COVID-19 and an increased mortality when the disease is contracted. Metformin use in patients with DM is associated with less COVID-19-related mortality, but the underlying mechanism behind this association remains unclear. Our aim was to explore the effects of metformin on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypercoagulability, and on clinical outcomes. Patients with DM on metformin (n = 34) and metformin naïve (n = 41), and patients without DM (n = 73) were enrolled within 48 h of hospital admission for COVID-19. Patients on metformin compared to naïve patients had a lower white blood cell count (p = 0.02), d-dimer (p = 0.04), urinary 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 (p = 0.01) and urinary liver-type fatty acid binding protein (p = 0.03) levels and had lower sequential organ failure assessment score (p = 0.002), and intubation rate (p = 0.03), fewer hospitalized days (p = 0.13), lower in-hospital mortality (p = 0.12) and lower mortality plus nonfatal thrombotic event occurrences (p = 0.10). Patients on metformin had similar clinical outcomes compared to patients without DM. In a multiple regression analysis, metformin use was associated with less days in hospital and lower intubation rate. In conclusion, metformin treatment in COVID-19 patients with DM was associated with lower markers of inflammation, renal ischemia, and thrombosis, and fewer hospitalized days and intubation requirement. Further focused studies are required to support these findings.

Effect of cogon grass root ethanol extract on fatty acid binding protein 4 and oxidative stress markers in a sepsis mouse model

Background: Sepsis causes several immunological and metabolic alterations that induce oxidative stress. The modulation of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been shown to worsen this condition. Extract of cogon grass root (ECGR) contains flavonoids and isoeugenol compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to assess the effects of ECGR on FABP4 and oxidative stress–related factors in a sepsis mouse model. Methods: Twenty-nine male mice (Mus musculus) of the Deutsche Denken Yoken strain were divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, mice treated with 10 μL/kg body weight (BW) lipopolysaccharide (LPS); and groups 3 and 4, mice pre-treated with 90 and 115 mg/kg BW, respectively, and then treated with 10 μL/kg BW LPS for 14 d. Blood, liver, lymph, and cardiac tissue samples were collected and subjected to histological and complete blood examinations. Antioxidant (Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and superoxide dismutase), FABP4 levels, and immune system-associated biomarker levels (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β ) were measured. Results: Significant increases in platelet levels (p = 0.03), cardiomyocyte counts (p =0.004), and hepatocyte counts (p = 0.0004) were observed in group 4 compared with those in group 2. Conversely, compared with those in group 2, there were significant decreases in TNF-α expression in group 3 (p = 0.004), white pulp length and width in group 4 (p = 0.001), FABP4 levels in groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.015 and p = 0.012, respectively), lymphocyte counts in group 4 (p = 0.009), and monocyte counts (p = 0.000) and polymorphonuclear cell counts in the livers (p = 0.000) and hearts (p = 0.000) of groups 3 and 4. GPx3 activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p = 0.04). Conclusions: ECGR reduces FABP4 level and modulating oxidative stress markers in sepsis mouse model.

Circulating level of fatty acid-binding protein 4 is an independent predictor of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionMetabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), defined as hepatosteatosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus, overweight/obesity or metabolic dysregulation, has been proposed as a new feature of chronic liver disease. Fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) is expressed in adipose tissue, and secreted FABP4 is associated with the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between MAFLD and FABP4 has not been fully addressed.Materials and MethodsAssociations of MAFLD with metabolic markers, including FABP4, fibroblast growth factor 21 and adiponectin, were investigated in 627 individuals (men/women 292/335) in the Tanno‐Sobetsu Study, a population‐based cohort.ResultsThe mean age was 65 years (range 19–98 years, median [interquartile range] 68 [56–76] years). Hepatosteatosis was determined by the fatty liver index (FLI), and FLI ≥35 for men and FLI ≥16 for women were used for detection of fatty liver, as previously reported using 14,471 Japanese individuals. FLI was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and levels of FABP4 (r = 0.331, P < 0.001), fibroblast growth factor 21, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance as an insulin resistance index and uric acid, and was negatively correlated with levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin. FABP4 concentration was independently associated with FLI after adjustment of age, sex, systolic blood pressure and levels of uric acid, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 in multivariable regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that FABP4 was an independent predictor of MAFLD after adjustment of age, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and levels of uric acid, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21.ConclusionsFABP4 concentration is independently associated with FLI and is an independent predictor of MAFLD in middle‐aged and elderly individuals.

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of fatty acid-binding protein 3 are associated with likelihood of amyloidopathy in cognitively healthy individuals.

Fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) is a biomarker of neuronal membrane disruption, associated with lipid dyshomeostasis-a notable Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiological change. We assessed the association of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) FABP3 levels with brain amyloidosis and the likelihood/risk of developing amyloidopathy in cognitively healthy individuals. FABP3 levels were measured in CSF samples of cognitively healthy participants, > 60 years of age (n = 142), from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers & Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL). FABP3 levels were positively associated with baseline brain amyloid beta (Aβ) load as measured by standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR, standardized β=0.22, P = .009) and predicted the change in brain Aβ load (standardized β=0.32, P = .004). Higher levels of CSF FABP3 (above median) were associated with a likelihood of amyloidopathy (odds ratio [OR] 2.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 4.65, P = .023). These results support inclusion of CSF FABP3 as a biomarker in risk-prediction models of AD.

Взаємозв’язок між показниками адипокінового та ліпідного профілю у пацієнтів на гострий інфаркт міокарда та цукровий діабет 2 типу

Introduction. Nowadays, it becomes topical to search for methods of diagnosis and treatment for polymorbid patients. The importance of the study on pathophysiological mechanisms of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been shown. The aim of the study: to examine the relationship between adipokine and lipid profiles in AMI patients with the presence or absence of type 2 DM. Material and methods. The study was conducted over a period from September 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. A total of 134 patients with ST-segment elevation AMI in the presence or absence of type 2 DM aged 58.97 ± 7.92 years hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Government Institution “L. T. Malaya Therapy National Institute of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” and Kharkiv Railway Clinical Hospital No. 1 of the branch “Center of Healthcare” were enrolled in the study. Group 1 included 74 patients with AMI and type 2 DM aged 59.42 ± 7.66 years. Group 2 (comparison group) comprised 60 patients with AMI without type 2 DM aged 58.42 ± 8.25 years. The control group consisted of 20 otherwise healthy individuals. Serum concentrations of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) and C1q/ TNF-related protein 3 (CTRP3) of patients were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum total cholesterol (TC) and highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were analyzed by peroxidase enzymatic method. Triglyceride (TG) levels were measured by enzymatic colorimetric method. The atherogenic index was calculated by the A.M. Klimov formula. The levels of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were estimated by the Friedewald formula. Results and discussion. The patients in Group 1 were found to have higher levels of serum TG in comparison with Group 2 patients (р&lt;0.05). In groups 1 and 2, there was an upward tendency in the levels of TC and LDL (р ˃0.05), as well as a significant 4.04 and 2.92 times increase in VLDL, respectively, as compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05). The serum levels of FABP4 were significantly increased, while CTRP3 levels were decreased in AMI patients compared to those in otherwise healthy individuals (р&lt;0.05). In AMI patients with type 2 DM (group 1), an inverse correlation was found between FABP4 and VLDL (r = 0.502, p&lt;0.05), TG (r = 0.596, p&lt;0.001); between CTRP3 and TC (r = -0.507, p&lt;0.05), LDL (r = -0.512, p&lt;0.05). In patients with AMI (group 2), an inverse correlation was revealed between FABP4 and VLDL (r = 0.453, p = 0.006), TG (r = 0.439, p = 0.009); between CTRP3 and TC (r = -0.413, p = 0.001), LDL (r = -0.429, p = 0.01). Conclusions. The characteristics of changes in the FABP4 and CTRP3 serum levels are evidence of an adipokine metabolism imbalance in AMI with the presence or absence of type 2 DM, indicating a metabolic shift in this patient category. The relationship between lipid profile markers and FABP4 and CTRP3 may indicate the influence of the latter on lipid metabolism.

Characteristics of the acute myocardial infarction course in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus before and after reperfusion therapy

Introduction. Scientific research is currently being done to diagnose and manage comorbid conditions in patients. The importance of studying the pathophysiological mechanisms of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been proven. The purpose of the study: to conduct a retrospective analysis before and after reperfusion therapy by evaluating the features of the AMI course in patients with type 2 DM. Material and methods. The study was conducted from January 10, 2020 to January 12, 2021. In total, 74 STEMI patients with or without type 2 DM, aged 59.42±7.66 years were examined at the Intensive Care Unit of the Government Institution “L. T. Malaya National Therapy Institute of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” and the Kharkiv Railway Clinical Hospital No. 1 of the branch “Center of Healthcare” of Public Joint Stock Company “Ukrainian Railway”. Serum levels of insulin, adropin, irisin, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and C1q/TNF-related protein (CTRP3) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis and processing of the findings obtained after examinations were carried out using the computer program IBM SPPS software, version 27.0 (IBM Inc., USA, 2020). Results and discussion. Before the treatment, patients with AMI and type 2 DM had significantly higher values of end-systolic size (ESS) by 5.56%, left atrium (LA) by 10.53%, left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMMI) by 6.87% and lower values of systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 11.76%, atherogenic index (AI) by 5.80%, glucose by 25.71%, insulin by 39.92%, irisin by 15.34%, FABP4 by 19.76% compared to the values of these indicators 14 days after medicamentous therapy (p&lt;0.05). Patients with AMI and type 2 DM had significantly higher values of adropin by 46.10%, irisin by 20.11%, CTRP3 by 28.78% and lower values of SBP by 17.65%, diastolic blood pressure by 12.38%, heart rate (HR) by 13.73%, pulse by 10.87%, body mass index by 5.57%, weight by 9.52%, glucose by 26.67%, insulin by 40, 75%, total cholesterol by 10.04%, very low-density lipoproteins by 24.75%, low-density lipoproteins by 8.52%, triglycerides by 27.06%, AI by 10.55%, FABP4 by 37.04% before treatment as compared to the values of these indicators 14 days after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (p&lt;0.05). Comparing the studied indicators between subgroups after medicamentous treatment and PCI, a significant decrease in HR by 8.33%, ESS by 4.11%, LA by 9.52%, LVMMI by 5.53%, FABP4 by 21.53% and an increase in the levels of adropin by 36.99%, irisin by 41.88%, CTRP3 by 30.25%, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) by 10.28% were identified (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions. When compared PCI advantages due to the absence of a tendency to the left heart dilatation over the medicamentous therapy, improvements of energy and adipokine metabolism have been observed amid increased levels of adropin, irisin and CTRP3 and decreased levels of FABP4 in patients with AMI and type 2 DM. It should be noted that there has been a significant improvement in the state of energy and adipokine profiles under the conditions of performing PCI.

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ACUTE SMALL BOWEL OBSTRUCTION: CLINICAL AND LABORATORY PARAMETERS ASSOCIATED WITH STRANGULATION AND EARLY MORTALITY AFTER SURGERY

The aim: The study aimed to evaluate some criteria for preoperative diagnosis of strangulation and significant indicators of the prognosis of short-term outcomes in patients with small bowel obstruction. Materials and methods: The results of the treatment of 123 patients aged 18-70 years with SBO were evaluated. Results: All of these patients underwent emergency surgery, and 22 patients (17.9%) have died. It has been shown that four lab parameters (blood leukocytes, lactate, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, and C-reactive protein levels) and one instrumental (involving the mesentery of the small intestine, free fluid in the abdomen during CT) with 80% probability or more were associated with the strangulation type of SBO (Λ=0.276, p = 0.000). Three lab indicators (WBC count, serum lactate, and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels) and two clinical parameters (abdominal perfusion pressure level and the presence of abdominal sepsis) were associated with early mortality after surgery (Λ=0.626, p = 0.000) with the same probability. Immediate results of the treatment in these patients depended on the development of intra-abdominal complications after surgery (P = 0.024) and the need for early reoperation (P = 0.006) as well as the development of cardiovascular dysfunction (P = 0.000) and respiratory dysfunction (P = 0.000). Conclusions: There were confirmed parameters that were significantly associated with strangulation before surgery and short-term in-hospital mortality with an 80% probability or more. This made it possible to develop new mathematical models for the diagnosis of strangulated bowel obstruction and early postoperative mortality with an accuracy of 84.5% and 84.2%, respectively.

The Relationship with Serum Heart Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Hypothyroidism

Aim: To investigate the variability of Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the relationship between CIMT and serum Hearttype fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) levels in patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. We also aimed to evaluate the effect of levothyroxine treatment on these markers. Material and Methods: 40 patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH), 40 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and 30 healthy individuals as control group were evaluated according to serum lipid and thyroid hormone panels, serum H-FABP levels and CIMT measurements. Serum H-FABP levels and CIMT of the patients in group OH were also evaluated following 6-months levothyroxine replacement treatment. Results: The levels of serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and H-FABP in group OH were significantly higher (p<0.05). CIMT in group OH was also significantly higher than other groups (p<0.05). There was an insignificant slight positive correlation between serum H-FABP and CIMT. The values of serum H-FABP levels and CIMT measurements after levothyroxine treatment significantly decreased in comparison with pre-treatment period (p<0.05). Conclusion: The increased CIMT and H-FABP levels in overt hypothyroidism might be used as an indicator in determining subclinical atherosclerosis. Levothyroxine treatment might protect the patients with overt hypothyroidism in terms of cardiovascular risk by decreasing CIMT and serum H-FABP levels.

Correlation between Serum Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) Levels and Cardiac Function in Patients with Thalassemia Major.

Background Patients with thalassemia major may suffer from complications due to iron overload. It has been suggested that several adipokines may play a potential role in the development of complications in thalassemia. Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is one of the adipokines, bridging several aspects of metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Little is known about the relationship between this adipokine and cardiac and liver function, especially in patients with thalassemia major. Aims This study is aimed at determining serum FABP4 levels in patients with thalassemia major and whether its concentration correlated with serum ferritin levels, as well as cardiac and liver function. Methods Thalassemia major outpatients (n = 48) completed laboratory examination, echocardiography, and electrocardiography. Results The mean age was 21.9 ± 8.0 years. A negative and weak correlation between serum ferritin and FABP4 was observed (r = −0.291, p < 0.05). In addition, there was moderate and positive correlation between left atrial volume index (LAVI) and FABP4 (r = 0.316, p < 0.05). Conclusions Serum FABP4 correlated with serum ferritin and cardiac function in patients with thalassemia major. FABP4 may be a potential clinical biomarker for cardiac dysfunction via metabolic and inflammatory pathways due to iron accumulation and toxicity in patients with thalassemia major.

Relationship Between Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 and Liver Fat in Individuals at Increased Cardiometabolic Risk.

Background: Liver steatosis is considered the onset of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a major public health challenge. Nevertheless, NAFLD detection and diagnosis remain a difficult task. Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been proposed as potential biomarker for the ectopic fat accumulation in non-adipose tissues, although its role reflecting liver steatosis in metabolic patients is not fully explored. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between FABP4 and the fatty liver index (FLI) in metabolic patients and to evaluate its potential role in the fatty liver disease.Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 389 participants at increased cardiometabolic risk was performed. FLI was calculated in order to assess liver fatty disease and a FLI ≥ 60 was considered to define liver steatosis. The serum FABP4 levels were assessed by using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariable regression models were used to examine the associations of FABP4 with fatty liver after adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.Results: Both, FLI and serum FABP4 levels were upregulated in diabetic, obese, and metabolic syndrome patients. Serum FABP4 levels were higher in individuals with liver steatosis. Serum FABP4 were robustly associated with FLI in metabolic patients in both linear and logistic regression analyses.Conclusion: Our findings show that the serum FABP4 is associated to liver steatosis in metabolic patients.

A hormone complex of FABP4 and nucleoside kinases regulates islet function.

The liberation of energy stores from adipocytes is critical to support survival in times of energy deficit; however, uncontrolled or chronic lipolysis associated with insulin resistance and/or insulin insufficiency disrupts metabolic homeostasis1,2. Coupled to lipolysis is the release of a recently identified hormone, fatty-acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4)3. Although circulating FABP4 levels have been strongly associated with cardiometabolic diseases in both preclinical models and humans4-7, no mechanism of action has yet been described8-10. Here we show that hormonal FABP4 forms a functional hormone complex with adenosine kinase (ADK) and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) to regulate extracellular ATP and ADP levels. We identify a substantial effect of this hormone on beta cells and given the central role of beta-cell function in both the control of lipolysis and development of diabetes, postulate that hormonal FABP4 is a key regulator of an adipose-beta-cell endocrine axis. Antibody-mediated targeting of this hormone complex improves metabolic outcomes, enhances beta-cell function and preserves beta-cell integrity to prevent both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Thus, the FABP4-ADK-NDPK complex, Fabkin, represents a previously unknown hormone and mechanism of action that integrates energy status with the function of metabolic organs, and represents a promising target against metabolic disease.

Fatty acid-binding protein 4 circulating levels in non-segmental vitiligo

BackgroundVitiligo is an acquired and progressive mucocutaneous disease resulting from the loss of active epidermal melanocytes. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects about 25% of the world’s population and is linked to inflammatory skin diseases including vitiligo. Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) is an intracellular lipid chaperone. FABP4 is closely associated with MetS. ObjectivesTo evaluate the serum level of FABP4 in vitiligo patients and its relation to MetS in the investigated cases. MethodsThis case control study was conducted on 45 patients having non segmental vitiligo and 45 matched controls. Their lipid profile, blood glucose and serum FABP4 levels were measured. ResultsThere were significant elevations in FABP4 (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.005), and glucose (fasting [p = 0.001] and 2 hours post prandial [p < 0.001]) levels in patients in comparison with controls. MetS was significantly more prevalent among vitiligo patients (p < 0.001) and associated with high FABP4 serum levels (p = 0.037). In vitiligo patients, there were significant positive correlations between FABP4 serum levels and triglycerides (p = 0.047), cholesterol (p = 0.001) and LDL (p = 0.001) levels and negative correlation regarding HDL level (p = 0.009). FABP4 level was a significantly good diagnostic test for early detection of vitiligo (p < 0.001). Study limitationsThe small number of studied subjects. ConclusionsFABP4 may play an active role in the disease process of vitiligo that could be mediated through associated dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. FABP4 may be a marker of vitiligo helping in its early diagnosis, but it does not appear to be useful for determining vitiligo severity, activity or associated MetS.

Paeonol suppresses lipid formation and promotes lipid degradation in adipocytes.

Paeonol can regulate a variety of physiological and pathological processes such as thrombosis, oxidative stress, inflammation and atherosclerosis. However, its potential role and underlying mechanisms in obesity and lipid metabolism remain to be elucidated. In the present study, 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated and collected on days 4, 6 and 8. The expression levels of fatty-acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) and microRNA (miR)-21 were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. Cell viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. A miR-21 mimic was constructed and transfected into 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Adipocyte differentiation was detected using Oil Red O staining. The proteins CD36, glucose transporter 4, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) and adipocyte protein 2 (Ap2) were detected using western blot analysis. The expression levels of FABP4 and miR-21 were increased in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Paeonol exhibited no effects on cell activity, whereas it inhibited the expression levels of miR-21 in the 3T3-L1 differentiated adipocytes. Paeonol suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and its effect was partially reversed by the overexpression of miR-21. In addition, paeonol promoted the lipid degradation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, increased the expression levels of PPAR-γ and Ap2, and suppressed triglyceride synthesis in these cells. These effects were partially reversed by the overexpression of miR-21. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that paeonol may exert protective effects against lipid formation and promote lipid degradation in adipocytes. These data provide evidence of the regulatory effect of paeonol on adipocyte differentiation and highlight its pathological significance.