Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) as a potential new therapeutic target for treatment of obesity – associated cancers

Abstract

: Fatty acid binding protein A (A-FABP) is one of FABPs isoforms found mainly in adipose tissue and macrophages. It works through many integrated pathways, regulating inflammation and lipid metabolism, promoting glucose production, impairing insulin function, and contributing to diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. A-FABP is upregulated in the adipose tissue of obese patients and its increased release into the bloodstream is positively associated with body mass index. Consequently, A-FABP plays a key role in regulating metabolism in obese people. Recent studies in mouse models and in humans demonstrated the role of A-FABP in increasing risk of obesity-related cancers. Here we summarized the state of research on the link between obesity, cancer and A-FABP as a new potential therapeutic target for treatment of obesity – associated cancers.