Authors: Takebayashi, Kohzo; Aso, Yoshimasa; Inukai, Toshihiko

Source: Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Volume 3, Number 2, March 2008 , pp. 161-173(13)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Abstract:

Retinol-binding protein (RBP)4 is a new adipocytokine that has been associated with insulin resistance. Both RBP4 mRNA expression in adipocytes and serum RBP4 levels are elevated in adipose-specific glucose transporter 4-knockout mice, and elevated circulating RBP4 levels cause insulin resistance by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase activity in skeletal muscle and increasing phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase expression in liver. Several clinical cross-sectional studies have shown a significant negative association between circulating RBP4 levels and insulin sensitivity evaluated by the glucose clamp method, but it is unclear if RBP4 is associated with insulin resistance in humans because of many conflicting results. Drugs such as rosiglitazone, exercise and weight loss have been shown to decrease circulating RBP4 levels and improve insulin resistance, but contradictory results have been found in other studies. In addition, a recent clinical study has suggested that RBP4 is more closely related to visceral adiposity than subcutaneous adiposity. In summary, RBP4 is an adipocytokine that is especially associated with visceral fat and may be associated with insulin resistance in humans. However, this association remains uncertain and whether or not RBP4 is a new target for treatment of Type 2 diabetes remains to be determined.

Keywords: adipocytokine; insulin resistance; RBP4; Type 2 diabetes

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/17446651.3.2.161

Affiliations: 1: Department of Internal Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University School Koshigaya Hospital, 2150, Minami-Koshigaya, Koshigaya, 343-8555 Japan. ; takebaya@dokkyomed.ac.jp, Email: takeb@gmail.plala.or.jp

Publication date: 2008-03-01

More about this publication?

• Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism provides extensive coverage of state-of-the-art research and clinical advancements in the field of endocrine control and metabolism, with a focus on screening, prevention, diagnostics, existing and novel therapeutics, as well as related molecular genetics, pathophysiology and epidemiology
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Information for Librarians
• Free Trials
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Medicine ,  Medicine (General)
• By this author: Takebayashi, Kohzo ;  Aso, Yoshimasa ;  Inukai, Toshihiko

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers