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Updated: Jun 19, 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

Variations of retinol binding protein 4 levels are not associated with changes in insulin resistance during puberty

N Santoro1, L Perrone, G Cirillo

  • 1Department of Pediatrics F. Fede Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|October 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) correlates with obesity and insulin resistance in children. However, RBP4 is not linked to puberty-related insulin resistance, suggesting different mechanisms at play.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

  • Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is an adipokine implicated in insulin resistance among obese individuals.
  • Puberty-associated insulin resistance occurs independently of adiposity, prompting investigation into other factors like RBP4.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of RBP4 in the development of insulin resistance during puberty.
  • To examine the correlation between RBP4 levels, adiposity, and insulin resistance in obese and lean children.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 90 children (45 obese, 45 lean), assessing BMI z-score, fat mass, Tanner pubertal stage, serum insulin, and serum RBP4 levels.
  • Calculated homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) to quantify insulin resistance.
  • Correlated RBP4 levels with BMI z-score and HOMA-IR in the total cohort and stratified by obesity status and pubertal stage.

Main Results:

  • Obese children exhibited higher BMI z-score, fat mass, HOMA-IR, and RBP4 levels compared to lean children.
  • RBP4 showed a direct correlation with BMI z-score and HOMA-IR in the total population and significantly in obese children.
  • Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was higher in pubertal subjects, but RBP4 levels did not differ between pubertal and pre-pubertal children.

Conclusions:

  • RBP4 is associated with adiposity and insulin resistance in obese children.
  • RBP4 does not appear to play a role in the insulin resistance observed during puberty in children.

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