Positive correlation of serum adipocyte fatty acid binding protein levels with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity in geriatric population

Background: Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) is a novel fat-derived circulating protein, which is independently and positively associated with atherosclerosis. The present study evaluated the relationship between fasting serum A-FABP and central arterial stiffness in geriatric adults. Methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 87 geriatric patients and the serum A-FABP levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was determined using the SphygmoCor system. cfPWV values of > 10 m/s represented the high arterial stiffness group, while values <= 10 m/s defined the low arterial stiffness group. Results: High arterial stiffness group comprised of 42 geriatric adults (48.3 %). When compared to those in the low arterial stiffness group, the high arterial stiffness group had a higher rate of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.044) and hypertension (P = 0.043). Body weight (P = 0.027), waist circumference (P = 0.035), body mass index (P = 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.005), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.045), pulse pressure (P = 0.038), and serum A-FABP level (P < 0.001) were also higher in the high arterial stiffness group than in the low arterial stiffness group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the factors significantly associated with arterial stiffness revealed that A-FABP (odds ratio: 1.833, 95 % confidence interval 1.123-2.993, P = 0.015) was an independent predictor of arterial stiffness in geriatric adults. Conclusions: Serum A-FABP levels constitute a major risk factor in the development of central arterial stiffness in the geriatric population.