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.