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Real-time Analyses of Retinol Transport by the Membrane Receptor of Plasma Retinol Binding Protein
Published on: January 28, 2013
Serum retinol-binding protein 4 is independently associated with pediatric NAFLD and fasting triglyceride level
Shu-Ching Huang1, Yao-Jong Yang
1Department of Pediatrics, Kuo General Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
Insights
Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to higher body mass index (BMI), retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Higher RBP4 also correlates with elevated triglycerides in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant health concern in children.
- Understanding the prevalence and predictors of pediatric NAFLD is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pediatric NAFLD.
- To identify predictors of NAFLD in children.
- To investigate the correlation between serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and metabolic characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 748 schoolchildren (ages 6-12).
- Measurements included body weight, height, serum lipids, insulin, liver enzymes, and RBP4.
- Hepatic steatosis was assessed via ultrasound in a subset of participants.
Main Results:
- NAFLD prevalence was 3% in normal-weight, 25% in overweight, and 76% in obese children.
- Higher BMI, insulin, homeostasis model of assessment, and ALT levels showed stepwise increases with NAFLD severity.
- Serum RBP4, ALT, and BMI were independent predictors of pediatric NAFLD.
Conclusions:
- Elevated RBP4, ALT, and BMI are independently associated with pediatric NAFLD.
- Increased RBP4 levels correlate positively with hypertriglyceridemia in children.
Objectives:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is identified as a major liver disease in children. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of pediatric NAFLD and the correlation between serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels and metabolic characteristics in children.
Methods:
A total of 748 schoolchildren, ages 6 to 12 years, were enrolled in 2009. The body weight and height were measured in the morning before intake. Laboratory tests included overnight fasting serum lipids, insulin, liver enzymes, and RBP4 levels. Hepatic steatosis was determined by ultrasound in 219 volunteers.
Results:
The rates of NAFLD were 3% in the normal-weight, 25% in the overweight, and 76% in the obese children. Twenty (22%) of obese children had abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. In children with NAFLD, younger age and higher body mass index (BMI), insulin/homeostasis model of assessment, and male sex rate were associated with abnormal liver function. Stepwise increments in BMI, insulin, homeostasis model of assessment, and ALT were found in children with normal livers to simple steatosis, and to steatosis with abnormal ALT. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that serum RBP4 levels (P = 0.048), ALT (P = 0.048), and BMI (P < 0.001) were independently predictors of pediatric NAFLD. Moreover, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that only serum triglycerides levels were positively related to RBP4 levels (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Higher RBP4 and ALT levels as well as BMI are independently associated with pediatric NAFLD in Taiwan. In addition, an increment in RBP4 levels was positively correlated to hypertriglyceridemia in children.
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