Prevention & lipidsMeta-analysis
Fatty acid–binding protein 4 and major adverse cardiovascular events: a dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
- Systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
- random-effects models
Authors' conclusion
Higher FABP4 levels were associated with higher risks of MACE and cardiovascular death, supporting its potential relevance as a prognostic marker warranting further evaluation.
Study context
- Population
- Prospective cohort studies of baseline circulating fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) levels and subsequent CV outcomes35 prospective cohort studies
- Comparison
- Highest vs lowest circulating FABP4 category
- Outcome
- MACE
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Hazard ratio
1.616
95% CI 1.402–1.863
Highest FABP4 vs Lowest FABP4
HR 1.616 (95% CI 1.402–1.863)
Further pooled results
| Outcome | HR (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| MACE, FABP4 as continuous variable · I2 = 79.9% | 1.393 (1.181–1.643) | |
| 0.512Hazard ratio (log scale) |
Linear dose–response per 10 ng/mL higher baseline FABP4
- Higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)
- 16.6%
- Higher risk of CV death
- 13.1%
- No evidence of non-linearity
CV death, HF and MI
- Higher FABP4 levels associated with higher risks of CV death, HF and MI
Sensitivity analyses and publication bias
- Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results; no substantial publication bias for the primary MACE analysis
Original publication
Fatty acid–binding protein 4 and major adverse cardiovascular events: a dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Published 19 May 2026. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwag276
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it