Plasma fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) level is associated with abnormal QTc interval in patients with stable angina and chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND

Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) (also known as adipocyte FABP or adipocyte P2) is expressed in adipocytes, macrophages, and capillary endothelial cells. Previous studies have shown associations among plasma FABP4, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, greater coronary plaque burden, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and mortality. However, little is known about the relationship between FABP4 level and prolonged QT interval. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma FABP4 level is associated with a prolonged QT interval by analyzing 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) in patients with stable angina and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

This study included 397 consecutive patients with stable angina and CKD who were enrolled in a disease management program. Plasma FABP4 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A 12-lead ECG recording was obtained from each patient. We assessed the relationships between FABP4 levels (both as a continuous variable and stratified by tertile) at admission and corrected QT (QTc) prolongation.

RESULTS

Patients with an abnormal QTc interval had higher median plasma FABP4 levels than those with borderline and normal QTc intervals (15.9 ng/mL vs. 10.2 ng/mL vs. 8.5 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.0001). Statistically significant associations were observed between plasma FABP4 levels and QTc interval (β = 0.267, P < 0.0001). Using multivariate and trend analyses, a higher concentration of plasma FABP4 level was independently associated with QTc prolongation in patients with stable angina and CKD.

CONCLUSION

In this study, plasma FABP4 levels were significantly higher in the patients with an abnormal QTc interval and were correlated with QTc prolongation. Further studies are required to elucidate whether plasma FABP4 plays a role in the pathogenesis of QTc prolongation.