The association between retinol-binding protein 4 and prediabetes in obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Context Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is associated with visceral fat and insulin resistance (IR) in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but some of these data remain controversial. Objective This study evaluated the relationship between serum RBP4 levels and prediabetes in obese patients with NAFLD. Methods A total of 79 obese NAFLD patients without (n = 41) and with prediabetes (n = 38) were included. Serum RBP4 was measured using ELISA method. Results Higher RBP4 serum levels were observed in patients with prediabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS), or dyslipidaemia. There was correlation between RBP4 levels and visceral adiposity index (VAI), glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and Quicki index. RBP4 ≥ 61 mcg/ml have about 3.5-fold higher risk of prediabetes (OR 3.544, 95% CI 1.385–9.072, p=.008), and RBP4 ≥ 55 mcg/ml increased the risk for MetS approximately 3.1 times. Conclusions RBP4 is associated with increased risk for prediabetes and MetS in obese patients with NAFLD.