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Updated: Feb 17, 2026

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 cardiovascular diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives
Jiefang Chen1, Gaijie Chen2, Xiaojing Xu3
1Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Insights
Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) plays a key role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Understanding RBP4
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality.
- Current diagnostic and management strategies for CVDs face significant challenges due to disease complexity.
- Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), a retinol transporter, is increasingly implicated in CVD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological characteristics and roles of RBP4 in cardiovascular pathophysiology.
- To examine RBP4's potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for CVDs.
- To explore RBP4's implications for novel CVD prevention and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on RBP4 and cardiovascular diseases.
- Analysis of RBP4's biological functions and involvement in CVD risk factors.
- Examination of RBP4's utility as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Main Results:
- RBP4 is involved in the pathogenesis of CVDs and associated risk factors.
- The precise mechanisms linking RBP4 to CVD progression are not fully understood.
- Evidence suggests RBP4 has potential as a biomarker for CVD diagnosis and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- RBP4 is a multifunctional protein with significant implications for cardiovascular health.
- Further research into RBP4 mechanisms is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
- Targeting RBP4 may offer new avenues for preventing and treating cardiovascular disorders.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of mortality worldwide, highlighting the need for enhanced diagnostic tools to enable early intervention. However, the complexity of these diseases poses significant challenges to their diagnosis and management. Therefore, a deeper understanding of CVD mechanisms and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are of critical importance. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), a member of the lipocalin family, is mainly secreted by the liver and adipose tissue and is widely recognized for its role in transporting retinol (vitamin A). Beyond functioning as a selective retinol carrier, growing evidence suggests that RBP4 is intricately involved in the pathogenesis of CVDs and their associated risk factors. Although numerous studies have established a link between RBP4 and the onset and progression of CVDs, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. This review summarizes the biological characteristics and multifunctional roles of RBP4 in CVD pathophysiology, examines its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis, and explores its implications for developing new strategies to prevent and treat cardiovascular disorders.
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