SIGNIFICANCE OF CYTOPLASMIC FATTY-ACID-BINDING PROTEIN FOR THE ISCHEMIC HEART

Ischemia of the heart is accompanied by the tissue accumulation of lon g-chain fatty acids and their metabolic derivatives such as beta-hydro xy fatty acids and fatty acyl-CoA and acyl-L-camitine esters. These su bstances might be detrimental for proper myocardial function. Previous ly, it has been suggested that intracellular lipid binding proteins li ke cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) and acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) may bind these accumulating fatty acyl moieties to prev ent their elevated levels from potentially harmful actions. In additio n, the suggestion has been made that the abundantly present FABP may s cavenge free radicals which are generated during reperfusion of the is chemic heart. However, these protective actions are challenged by the continuous physico-chemical partition of fatty acyl moieties between F ABP and membrane structures and by the rapid release of FABP from isch emic and reperfused cardiac muscle. Careful evaluation of the availabl e literature data reveals that at present no definite conclusion can b e drawn about the potential protective effect of FABP on the ischemic and reperfused heart.