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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model
Published on: May 6, 2022
All-trans retinoic acid lowers serum retinol-binding protein 4 concentrations and increases insulin sensitivity in
Daniel-Constantin Manolescu1, Aurelia Sima, Pangala V Bhat
1Laboratory of Nutrition and Cancer, Centre de recherché du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal-Hôtel-Dieu; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, H2W 1T7, Canada.
Abstract:
Recent investigations have demonstrated that elevated serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) secreted from adipose tissue plays a role in the development of systemic insulin resistance, and lowering RBP4 improves insulin sensitivity. These observations provide a rationale for the development of new antidiabetic agents aimed at reducing serum RBP4 concentrations. In this study, we sought to determine whether retinoic acid (RA) administration decreases serum RBP4 and suppresses insulin resistance in diabetic ob/ob mice. All-trans RA [100 mug/(moused) in corn oil] was administered by stomach intubation to a group of ob/ob mice, with the control group receiving the vehicle for 16 d. Body weight and food intake were monitored. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. We quantified serum RBP4 and retinol by Western blotting and HPLC, respectively. RA treatment reduced body weight (P < 0.05), basal serum glucose (P < 0.001), serum retinol (P < 0.01), and RBP4 (P < 0.05). It improved insulin sensitivity and decreased the retinol:RBP4 ratio (P < 0.05). These studies suggest that RA is an effective antidiabetic agent that could be considered in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Insights
Retinoic acid (RA) effectively lowers serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice. This suggests RA could be a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Elevated serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) from adipose tissue is linked to systemic insulin resistance.
- Reducing RBP4 levels presents a therapeutic strategy for improving insulin sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if all-trans retinoic acid (RA) administration reduces serum RBP4.
- To determine RA's effect on suppressing insulin resistance in diabetic ob/ob mice.
Main Methods:
- Administration of all-trans RA or vehicle to diabetic ob/ob mice for 16 days.
- Monitoring body weight and food intake.
- Performing glucose and insulin tolerance tests.
- Quantifying serum RBP4 and retinol levels.
Main Results:
- RA treatment significantly reduced body weight, basal serum glucose, serum retinol, and serum RBP4.
- RA administration improved insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice.
- The retinol:RBP4 ratio was decreased following RA treatment.
Conclusions:
- Retinoic acid demonstrates efficacy as an antidiabetic agent.
- RA's ability to lower RBP4 and improve insulin sensitivity warrants consideration for type 2 diabetes treatment.
