Possitive correlation between adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and epicardial fat in patients with a family history of cardiovascular disesase.

BACKGROUND Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is a promising link between metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. Epicardial fat (EPI) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). OBJECTIVE The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the correlation between EPI and A-FABP in asymptomatic patients with a family history of CVD. METHODS 59 subjects (39 males) (median = 54 years old) were enrolled in the study and their EPI thickness and A-FABP levels were assessed. RESULTS EPI was found in 46 patients (77.9%). There were positive correlations between EPI and A-FABP (r=0.336; P=0.010), age (r=0.526; P<0.001), fibrinogen (r=0.304; P=0.023) and systolic blood pressure (r=0.279; P=0.034). A positive correlation was found between EPI and A-FABP in a subgroup of overweight and obese patients (0.389; P=0.041, 0.407; P=0.004) and in the subgroup of patients with excluded CVD (r=0.368; P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS We found a positive correlation between EPI and A-FABP in a group of patients with a family history of CVD and in subgroups of overweight and obese patients.