FABP4 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: [18] Moreover, an orally active small-molecule inhibitor of aP2 (the mice homologue to FABP4) has been found to be an effective therapeutic agent against severe atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes in mouse models. [19] Genetically and chemical modification of aP2 have also been shown to protect against the deleterious effects of hyperlipidemia in macrophages. [17] Thus, the importance of FABP4 as a mediator seems to involve adipocytes, macrophages and their interaction.