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Role of retinol-binding protein 4 in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes

Kohzo Takebayashi1, Yoshimasa Aso2, Toshihiko Inukai3

  • 1a Department of Internal Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University School Koshigaya Hospital, 2-1-50, Minami-Koshigaya, Koshigaya, 343-8555 Japan. takeb@gmail.plala.or.jp ; takebaya@dokkyomed.ac.jp.

Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism
|February 16, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Retinol-binding protein (RBP)4, an adipocytokine linked to visceral fat, may contribute to insulin resistance. Further research is needed to confirm its role in humans and potential as a Type 2 diabetes treatment target.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic research
  • Endocrinology
  • Adipose tissue biology

Background:

  • Retinol-binding protein (RBP)4 is identified as a novel adipocytokine.
  • Elevated RBP4 levels are observed in conditions like insulin resistance.
  • RBP4's role in metabolic dysfunction is an area of active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Retinol-binding protein (RBP)4 and insulin resistance in humans.
  • To explore RBP4's relationship with visceral adiposity.
  • To evaluate RBP4 as a potential therapeutic target for Type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing clinical cross-sectional studies.
  • Analysis of RBP4 mRNA expression and serum levels in animal models.
  • Examination of RBP4's impact on insulin signaling pathways and liver gene expression.

Main Results:

  • Elevated RBP4 levels are linked to insulin resistance in animal models by affecting key metabolic pathways.
  • Clinical studies show conflicting results regarding RBP4's association with human insulin sensitivity.
  • RBP4 appears more strongly correlated with visceral fat accumulation than subcutaneous fat.

Conclusions:

  • Retinol-binding protein (RBP)4 is an adipocytokine associated with visceral fat.
  • The direct link between RBP4 and human insulin resistance remains uncertain.
  • RBP4's potential as a therapeutic target for Type 2 diabetes requires further validation.
Keywords:
RBP4Type 2 diabetesadipocytokineinsulin resistance

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