The relationship between retinol-binding protein-4 and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: Retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) is an adipocyte-secreted hormone considered to link obesity with cardiovascular complications. The oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity. We evaluated serum RBP4 and plasma total thiols (TT) in generalized obesity (GO) and abdominal obesity (AO) in relationship to classical cardiovascular risk factors. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c%), C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile were also evaluated. Patients and Methods: Sixty obese patients were recruited [30 abdominally obese (AO) patients, (15 male and 15 female, mean (SD), 49.5 (5.5) years) were measured by waist circumference (WC > 102 cm for men or > 88 cm for women) and waist/hip ratio (WC divided by that of the hips of > 0.9 for men and > 0.85 for women)] and [30 generalized obese (GO) patients (22 male and 8 female; mean (SD); 42.5 (8) years) were measured by body mass index (BMI). [BMI ≥ 30.0-34.9 kg/m2, with normal WC] compared to 20 healthy subjects (14 males and 6 females; mean age (SD); 36.60 (5.97) years). Results: AO had significantly higher circulating RBP4 levels in comparison to GO (p< 0.05). Total thiols levels were significantly lower in AO compared to GO patients (p< 0.05). CRP significantly elevated in AO compared to GO patients (p<0.05). Total serum cholesterol, triglycerides and Hb1Ac% increased with BMI, WC and waist/hip ratio (WHR). Conclusion: The study reveals that RBP4 is autonomously related to visceral fat accumulations and cardiovascular diseases. The study also reveals the beneficial effect of TT against obesity and cardiovascular disease and the potential clinical applicability of RBP4 and total thiols in cardiovascular diseases.