A-FABP in Metabolic Diseases and the Therapeutic Implications: An Update |
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| Authors: | Hang-Long Li Xiaoping Wu Aimin Xu Ruby Lai-Chong Hoo |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (H.-L.L.); (A.X.);2.Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;3.State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China |
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| Abstract: | Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), which is also known as ap2 or FABP4, is a fatty acid chaperone that has been further defined as a fat-derived hormone. It regulates lipid homeostasis and is a key mediator of inflammation. Circulating levels of A-FABP are closely associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic diseases with imminent diagnostic and prognostic significance. Numerous animal studies have elucidated the potential underlying mechanisms involving A-FABP in these diseases. Recent studies demonstrated its physiological role in the regulation of adaptive thermogenesis and its pathological roles in ischemic stroke and liver fibrosis. Due to its implication in various diseases, A-FABP has become a promising target for the development of small molecule inhibitors and neutralizing antibodies for disease treatment. This review summarizes the clinical and animal findings of A-FABP in the pathogenesis of cardio-metabolic diseases in recent years. The underlying mechanism and its therapeutic implications are also highlighted. |
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| Keywords: | A-FABP metabolic syndrome cardiovascular diseases |
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