In particular, genetic deficiency and small molecule-mediated inhibition of FABP4 (also known as aP2) and FABP5 can potently improve glucose homeostasis and reduce atherosclerosis in mouse models.
Macrophage lipid metabolism is transcriptionally regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and its target gene fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) accelerates the progression of atherosclerosis in mouse models.
These data suggest that FABP4 plays a key role in Hcy-mediated disturbance of lipid metabolism and that DNMT1 may be a novel therapeutic target in Hcy-related atherosclerosis.
Our findings indicate the involvement of FABP4 and leptin in the progression of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture, and suggest that down-regulation of PPAR/adipocytokine signaling within plaques may have therapeutic potential.
In animal models, defects of the aP2 gene (aP2(-/-)) partially protected against the development of obesity-related insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis.
Many of the up-regulated genes-including the hyaluron receptor CD44, vasoconstrictor endothelin-1, smooth muscle growth factor heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, and fatty acid binding protein-4-had been previously described as linked to the development of atherosclerosis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.