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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Real-time Analyses of Retinol Transport by the Membrane Receptor of Plasma Retinol Binding Protein
14:32

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

Published on: January 28, 2013

Retinol-binding protein 4 and its relation to insulin resistance in obese children before and after weight loss

Thomas Reinehr1, Birgit Stoffel-Wagner, Christian L Roth

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nutrition Medicine, Vestische Hospital for Children and Adolescents-Datteln, University of Witten/Herdecke, Dr. F. Steiner Strasse 5, Datteln, Germany. T.Reinehr@kinderklinik-datteln.de

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels are linked to weight status and insulin resistance in obese children. Weight loss significantly reduced RBP4, improving insulin sensitivity markers in this pediatric population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Syndrome Research
  • Obesity and Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Limited data exist on the relationship between retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), weight status, and insulin resistance in children.
  • Obesity in children is a growing concern, often associated with metabolic complications like insulin resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the longitudinal associations between RBP4, insulin resistance, and weight status in obese children.
  • To explore how changes in RBP4 correlate with changes in metabolic markers over a one-year period.

Main Methods:

  • A one-year longitudinal follow-up study involving 43 obese and 19 lean children.
  • Intervention included exercise, behavior, and nutrition therapy.
  • Measured changes in weight status (BMI SDS), RBP4, RBP4/serum retinol ratio, HOMA index, and QUICKI.

Main Results:

  • Obese children exhibited higher RBP4 concentrations and RBP4/serum retinol ratios compared to lean children.
  • RBP4 levels correlated significantly with insulin, body mass index, HOMA index, and QUICKI.
  • Substantial weight loss in obese children led to significant reductions in RBP4, insulin resistance markers, and blood pressure.

Conclusions:

  • Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels are associated with weight status and insulin resistance in children.
  • These findings suggest a significant role for RBP4 in the pathophysiology of obesity and insulin resistance in pediatric populations.
  • Interventions promoting weight loss may help mitigate RBP4-related metabolic disturbances in obese children.
Abstract

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