Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2025

Leprdb Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes: Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Live-cell 2-Photon Imaging Of Intact Islets
10:09

Leprdb Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes: Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Live-cell 2-Photon Imaging Of Intact Islets

Published on: May 11, 2015

9.5K

Retinol binding protein 4 and type 2 diabetes: from insulin resistance to pancreatic β-cell function

Jiahua Fan1, Jinxing Hu2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis Research, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Guangzhou Chest Hospital, Institute of Tuberculosis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, PR China. fanjh3@mail2.sysu.edu.cn.

Endocrine
|March 23, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance, and pancreatic beta-cell function. Further research is needed to clarify RBP4's role and therapeutic potential in T2DM.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is an adipokine investigated as a biomarker for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
  • Existing research indicates RBP4 influences T2DM, insulin resistance, and pancreatic beta-cell function, though controversies persist.
  • This review synthesizes recent studies on RBP4 and T2DM to address these controversies and explore therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To update and summarize current research on the relationship between RBP4 and T2DM.
  • To clarify the role of RBP4 in insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell function.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential of targeting RBP4 for T2DM treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A narrative review of existing scientific literature.

Main Results:

  • Significant associations were found between RBP4 levels, insulin resistance, pancreatic beta-cell function, and T2DM.
  • RBP4 plays a notable role in the development and progression of T2DM.

Conclusions:

  • Further mechanistic studies are required to elucidate RBP4's precise role in T2DM pathogenesis, particularly concerning pancreatic beta-cell function.
  • Additional research should evaluate interventions (pharmacological, lifestyle, surgical) targeting RBP4 levels for T2DM management and improving metabolic health.
Keywords:
Insulin resistancePancreatic β-cell functionRetinol binding protein 4Type 2 diabetes

More Related Videos

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy08:47

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy

Published on: December 7, 2017

9.7K
Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance09:48

Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance

Published on: February 17, 2023

2.6K

Related Concept Videos

Carbohydrate Metabolism01:36

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
11.1K
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
2.3K
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways01:28

Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways

Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but...
1.2K
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
926
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
2.6K
Insulin Secretory Vesicles01:05

Insulin Secretory Vesicles

Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
4.9K