Elevated Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) Associated With Liver Damage and Kidney Complications in Thalassemia Patients.

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia is considered a significant health concern. Previous studies had shown that numerous adipokines, including fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), might contribute to the development of complications in thalassemia.

Objectives: This study is aimed at investigating FABP4 levels in thalassemia major patients receiving regular blood transfusions as well as to explore the association between FABP4 and target organ functioning as kidney and liver.

Method: Serum samples were collected from 154 individuals with thalassemia major and subjected to various analyses, including hematological assessments, biochemical evaluations (kidney and liver functions), and immunological screenings using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Examination of sociodemographic and disease-related factors indicated osteoporosis emerging as the predominant comorbidity. Elevated ferritin levels, an increased platelets (PLT) count, higher nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count, and elevated bilirubin (BIL) levels in patient serum were observed. Conversely, creatinine levels were significantly low, with a mean of 21.7 and 25.4 μmol/L in females and males, respectively. FABP4 levels exhibited more frequent increases in females of p value = 0.03, particularly in the age groups of (13-18, 19-30) years; respectively, FABP4 levels had a significant difference of p value = 0.003 with the aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio.

Conclusion: A significant difference was seen between serum FABP4 and bilirubin and AST/ALT ratio, showing a connection between serum FABP4 and liver injury and kidney complications. Consequently, while further studies are essential for a comprehensive exploration of this hypothesis, serum FABP4 may have a potential role in chronic diseases in thalassemia patients.