Heart type fatty acid binding protein (hFABP) in patients with acute congestive heart failure – a preliminary study

Obesity and ectopic fat accumulation in non-adipose tissues are major contributors to heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adipocytes act as endocrine organs by releasing a large number of bioactive molecules into the bloodstream, which participate in a communication network between white adipose tissue and other organs, including the heart. Among these molecules, fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) has recently been shown to increase cardiometabolic risk. Both clinical and experimental evidence have identified FABP4 as a relevant player in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, and it has been directly related to cardiac alterations such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and both systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction. The available interventional studies preclude the establishment of a direct causal role of this molecule in CVD and HF and propose FABP4 as a biomarker rather than as an aetiological factor. However, several experimental reports have suggested that FABP4 may act as a direct contributor to cardiac metabolism and physiopathology, and the pharmacological targeting of FABP4 may restore some of the metabolic alterations that are conducive to CVD and HF. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding FABP4 in the context of HF and CVD as well as the molecular basis by which this protein participates in the regulation of cardiac function.

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Heart-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (H-FABP) and Its Role as a Biomarker in Heart Failure: What Do We Know So Far?

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9010164 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 164 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Richard Rezar ◽

Peter Jirak ◽

Martha Gschwandtner ◽

Rupert Derler ◽

Thomas K. Felder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Fatty Acid Binding Protein ◽

Binding Protein ◽

Therapy Monitoring ◽

Term Treatment ◽

Cardiac Events ◽

Fatty Acid Binding ◽

Acid Binding Protein ◽

Long Term Treatment

Background: Heart failure (HF) remains one of the leading causes of death to date despite extensive research funding. Various studies are conducted every year in an attempt to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapy monitoring. The small cytoplasmic heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) has been studied in a variety of disease entities. Here, we provide a review of the available literature on H-FABP and its possible applications in HF. Methods: Literature research using PubMed Central was conducted. To select possible studies for inclusion, the authors screened all available studies by title and, if suitable, by abstract. Relevant manuscripts were read in full text. Results: In total, 23 studies regarding H-FABP in HF were included in this review. Conclusion: While, algorithms already exist in the area of risk stratification for acute pulmonary embolism, there is still no consensus for the routine use of H-FABP in daily clinical practice in HF. At present, the strongest evidence exists for risk evaluation of adverse cardiac events. Other future applications of H-FABP may include early detection of ischemia, worsening of renal failure, and long-term treatment planning.

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