Circulating Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein (A-FABP): Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Type 2DM

Abstract
Background: The circulating portion of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) acts as a humoral factor potentially controlling inflammatory responses and insulin action in adipocyte. Most individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (2DM) exhibit intra-abdominal obesity, insulin re-sistance and subsequent occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Aim of Study: This work aimed at evaluating A-FABP as a marker for MetS in type 2DM.
Subjects and Methods: The study included (180) subjects divided into group I (120) adult patients with type 2DM diagnosed according to ADA 2016. They were subdivided into subgroup Ia (60 without MetS) and subgroup Ib (60 with MetS). Group II (control group) included (60) age- and sex-matched apparently healthy subjects. Circulating A-FABP was measured by ELISA. In addition, assay of fasting insulin (F.insulin), lipid profile, hsCRP, and calculation of HOMA-IR.
Results: Highly significant increase in levels of A-FABP, F.insulin, HOMA-IR and hsCRP was observed in subgroup Ia compared to control group (Z: 5.691,4.902, 5.908, and 0.477; p<0.01; respectively). Sub-group Ib versus sub-group Ia revealed significant elevated levels of A-FABP and F.Insulin (Z: 5.276, p<0.01 and Z: 2.469, p<0.05; respectively) while HOMA-IR and hsCRP showed no significant difference be-tween both subgroups (p>0.05). In subgroup Ib, there was a significant positive statistical correlation between A-FABP and weight and BMI (r:0.379 and 0.386, p<0.05; respectively). Stepwise multi-regression analysis indicated that triglycerides and A-FABP are the most sensitive independent predictors of MetS in diabetic patients (F-ratio:64.4 and p<0.001).
Conclusion: High serum A-FABP level is strongly asso-ciated with MetS in type 2DM. It is a promising independent marker of MetS and is beneficial in its early diagnosis.