Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
14:32
Real-time Analyses of Retinol Transport by the Membrane Receptor of Plasma Retinol Binding Protein
Published on: January 28, 2013
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Association of Serum Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Concentration With Risk for and Prognosis of Amyotrophic Lateral
Angela Rosenbohm1, Gabriele Nagel2, Raphael S Peter2
1Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
JAMA Neurology
|February 27, 2018
Summary
Lower serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels are linked to increased amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk and poorer prognosis. This suggests vitamin A metabolism or insulin resistance may play a role in ALS pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Metabolic Research
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Metabolic alterations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may offer therapeutic targets.
- Serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a potential biomarker for insulin resistance and vitamin A metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum RBP4 concentration and the risk of developing ALS.
- To examine the relationship between serum RBP4 concentration and prognosis in ALS patients.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study and a subsequent cohort study were conducted.
- Serum RBP4 levels were measured and analyzed for association with ALS risk and survival using logistic regression and survival models.
Main Results:
- Lower serum RBP4 concentration was observed in ALS cases compared to controls.
- Increased RBP4 concentration was associated with reduced odds of ALS risk (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.22-0.59).
- In ALS patients, higher RBP4 levels correlated with improved survival.
Conclusions:
- Serum RBP4 is inversely related to ALS risk and prognosis.
- These findings suggest a potential role for vitamin A metabolism or impaired insulin signaling in ALS pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of insulin resistance in ALS.
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