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A new blood test to diagnose In a recent cross-sectional study, researchers at Washington University School of
severe peripheral artery disease Medicine in St. Louis have demonstrated that high levels of a specific protein- serum
circulating fatty acid synthase (cFAS) in the blood can serve as an important diagnostic
tool to assess debilitating CLTI. 4
Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is an essential enzyme that regulates de novo lipogenesis in
Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is a peripheral artery disease (PAD) condition, various organ systems of our body. High level of cFAS has been reported in patients with
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characterized by severe lower extremity arterial insufficiency, pain, non-healing atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis. 6
wounds/ulcers, and gangrene. It is reported that approximately 70% of patients with CLTI
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may develop disease-related complications leading to extremity amputation. 2 This study evaluated the prevalence of elevated cFAS in patients with CLTI and its
accuracy as a biomarker. 4
In order to improve prognosis, the Global Vascular Guidelines have emphasized upon the
need for early diagnosis and aggressive medical management of patients with CLTI- Elevated cFAS content was found to be independently associated with CLTI and could
particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors such as type-2 diabetes (T2D). 3 detect the presence of CLTI with 83% accuracy. The serum FAS content was positively
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correlated with FAS content in femoral artery plaque in patients with severe PAD 4
Thus, an accurate serum biomarker based diagnostic strategy that can identify PAD patients
having relatively higher risk of progression to CLTI is desirable. Currently, such blood tests are These results were independent of other risk factors such as concomitant type-2 diabetes
not available to identify and assess the severity of PAD. and smoking. 4
