Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B (2024)

Background: Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4, also known as FABP4, is a protein found in the cytoplasm of cells, which is abundantly expressed in adipocytes and macrophages, typically expelled by these cells. Once outside the cell, it binds to a receptor and functions as a transportation protein for fatty acids. Consequently, FABP4 governs and enhances the rate at which fat is broken down for energy usage, a process called lipolysis. Higher levels than normal were proposed to be associated with some metabolic disorders, most importantly insulin resistance and obesity.
Materials and Methods: Keywords, such as FABP4, obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and T2DM were looked for in many search engines to review the possible role of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in development of insulin resistance and obesity for providing deep insight into understanding the significance of this protein in evolving such debilitating metabolic disorders.
Results: Many studies have shown that elevated levels of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in the blood is positively correlated with pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes, other studies have shown that it has a role in disrupting lipolysis and fatty acid metabolism in adipocytes. 
Conclusion: Several of the reviewed studies indicated that elevated levels of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 are associated with cases of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus. Being familiar with these findings is crucial to understand the missing parts in disrupted metabolic pathways in inulin resistance, obesity as well as finding effective treatment in targeting or modulating such protein.