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Real-time Analyses of Retinol Transport by the Membrane Receptor of Plasma Retinol Binding Protein
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Real-time Analyses of Retinol Transport by the Membrane Receptor of Plasma Retinol Binding Protein

Published on: January 28, 2013

Retinol binding protein 4, low birth weight-related insulin resistance and hormonal contraception

Antonella Zugaro1, Caterina Pandolfi, Arcangelo Barbonetti

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Public Health, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.

Endocrine
|December 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Serum retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is not an early marker for insulin resistance in low birth weight women. However, hormonal contraception use is associated with increased RBP4 levels.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Health
  • Reproductive Health

Background:

  • Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is implicated as a potential early marker for insulin resistance (IR).
  • Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased risk of early-onset IR.
  • The relationship between RBP4, LBW, and IR requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum RBP4 levels in young women born with LBW as a model for early-onset IR.
  • To determine if LBW is associated with elevated RBP4 and reduced insulin sensitivity.
  • To explore factors associated with RBP4 levels in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A historical prospective study comparing 35 LBW women with 35 term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) controls.
  • Metabolic evaluation including the composite-insulin sensitivity index (composite ISI).
  • Serum RBP4 measurement using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • Multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with RBP4 levels.

Main Results:

  • Serum RBP4 levels were similar between LBW and term AGA groups.
  • LBW women exhibited significantly lower composite ISI, indicating IR.
  • Hormonal contraception (HC) use, but not birth weight or parental diabetes, was significantly associated with higher RBP4 levels (OR = 10.6).
  • Women using HC had higher RBP4, triglycerides, cholesterol, CRP, and SHBG, but similar composite ISI compared to non-users.

Conclusions:

  • Serum RBP4 is not a reliable marker for early insulin resistance in LBW young women.
  • Hormonal contraception use is associated with sustained increases in serum RBP4 levels.
  • The clinical and pathophysiological significance of elevated RBP4 under HC warrants further investigation.

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