Circulating levels of the adipokine adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AFABP) are independently associated with obesity and might contribute to obesity-related insulin resistance and premature atherosclerosis. Within the project, obese, leptin-deficient, and atherosclerosis-prone mice are treated with a neutralizing AFABP antibody, a total AFABP inhibitor, and recombinant leptin alone and in combination. Relative effects of these adipokine-based treatment modalities on metabolic disease, atherosclerotic lesion area and composition, as well as macrophage function, are elucidated. These studies will define whether circulating AFABP is a useful therapeutic target for metabolic and vascular disease in obesity.
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