Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) serum concentrations and fat depot specific mRNA expression in humans

Aims: Serum levels of the adipocyte-secreted protein, retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4), are increased in insulin resistant states. Methods: We sought to determine whether RBP4 serum concentrations and mRNA expression in visceral and subcutaneous fat correlates with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in 196 subjects with a wide range of obesity, body fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Results: RBP4 was highly inversely correlated with clamp glucose disposal rate (GDR) in subjects with obesity, subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes, and non-obese, non-diabetic s…