Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 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 in neonates born small for gestational age

C Giacomozzi1, P Ghirri, R Lapolla

  • 1Molecular Endocrinology Unit, D.P.U.O. Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rina Balducci Center of Pediatric Endocrinology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|May 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels are lower in newborns small for gestational age (SGA). Birth weight, not insulin sensitivity, predicts RBP4 in these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Research
  • Neonatal Studies

Background:

  • Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), an adipocyte-derived signal, is implicated in insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes pathogenesis.
  • Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns face increased risk for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
  • RBP4's role as an early marker for insulin resistance in SGA children remains uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify RBP4 concentrations in cord blood of SGA newborns compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns.
  • To investigate the correlation between RBP4 levels at birth and markers of insulin sensitivity.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 64 newborns: 17 SGA and 47 AGA.
  • Measurements comprised anthropometry, lipid profile, insulin, homeostasis model assessment, quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index, adiponectin, and RBP4.

Main Results:

  • RBP4 concentrations were significantly lower in SGA newborns (p<0.002).
  • No correlation was observed between RBP4 and insulin sensitivity parameters.
  • Birth weight was identified as the primary predictor of serum RBP4 concentrations (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • RBP4 is reduced in SGA newborns, with birth weight being the main determinant.
  • RBP4 levels at birth do not correlate with insulin sensitivity in this cohort.
  • No significant differences in adiponectin or insulin sensitivity markers were found between SGA and AGA neonates.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Methodology for Studying Interactions of Vitamin A Membrane Receptors and Opsin Protein with their Ligands in Generating the Retinylidene Protein08:18

Methodology for Studying Interactions of Vitamin A Membrane Receptors and Opsin Protein with their Ligands in Generating the Retinylidene Protein

Published on: October 4, 2024

Isolation of Lung Retinoid-Containing Cells by Cell Sorting07:47

Isolation of Lung Retinoid-Containing Cells by Cell Sorting

Published on: April 11, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Transcytosis of IgG01:15

Transcytosis of IgG

Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight, compared...