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Real-time Analyses of Retinol Transport by the Membrane Receptor of Plasma Retinol Binding Protein
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Circulating retinol-binding protein 4 and subclinical cardiovascular disease in the elderly

Erik Ingelsson1, Lars Lind

  • 1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. erik.ingelsson@ki.se

Diabetes Care
|December 31, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) was inversely associated with carotid artery intima-media and plaque echogenicity. These findings suggest RBP4 may play a role in atherosclerosis development.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a precursor to overt cardiovascular events.
  • Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is an adipokine with potential roles in metabolic and cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum RBP4 concentrations and markers of subclinical CVD.

Main Methods:

  • The Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study included 1,008 participants aged 70 years.
  • Subclinical CVD was assessed using echocardiography, carotid artery ultrasound, brachial artery ultrasound, and forearm endothelial vasoreactivity.
  • Serum RBP4 levels were measured and analyzed in relation to CVD markers.

Main Results:

  • Serum RBP4 concentrations showed an inverse association with carotid artery intima-media echogenicity (beta -0.39, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.22).
  • An inverse association was also observed between RBP4 and carotid artery plaque echogenicity (beta -0.33, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.05).
  • These associations remained significant after adjusting for multiple CVD risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating RBP4 levels are inversely correlated with carotid artery intima-media and plaque echogenicity.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for RBP4 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking RBP4 to atherosclerotic processes.
Abstract

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