The Positive Correlation between Cord Serum Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Concentrations and Fetal Growth

Abstract

Background/Aims: Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) has been shown to be associated with insulin resistance and fatty acid metabolism. We hypothesize that RBP4 might play a role in fetal growth and that cord serum RBP4 may act as a marker of fetal growth, independent of fetal insulin levels. Methods: Twenty-one women having fetuses in the top quartile (>75th percentile) of birth weights for gestational age were enrolled into the trial, along with 21 women having fetuses in the bottom quartile (<25th percentile) of birth weights for gestational age. Serum RBP4 and insulin levels were analyzed. Results: Cord serum RBP4 and insulin concentrations were significantly higher in the top quartile group (14.3 ± 3.7 ng/ml, 3.8 ± 5.2 µIU/ml) than in the bottom quartile group (11.3 ± 2.6 ng/ml, 0.9 ± 1.4 µIU/ml; p = 0.004, p = 0.017). Cord serum RBP4 and insulin as well as gestational age (r = 0.744, r² = 0.553, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with fetal birth weights. Conclusion: Cord serum RBP4 concentrations were higher in subjects with top quartile fetuses than in those with bottom quartile fetuses. Cord serum RBP4 concentrations were significantly correlated with fetal birth weight. These findings may indicate that cord serum RBP4 plays a regulatory role in fetal growth.

Kisspeptin, Leptin, and Retinol-Binding Protein 4 in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…RBP4 is another adipocytokine that is involved with insulin resistance in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus [11]; it has also been noted that cord serum RBP4 concentrations were significantly correlated with fetal birth weight [12]. Several studies have indicated that no significant differences were observed in serum levels of RBP4 between women with PCOS and a control group matched by body mass index (BMI) [13,14].…”

Clinical immunology Retinol-binding protein 4 levels are related to maternal triglyceride levels

“…Previous studies comparing RBP4 levels with birth weight reported conflicting results [10][11][12]. We hypothesized that abnormalities in maternal RBP4 levels and the associated proinflammatory state, controlled by IL-8 and IL-17 levels, might affect birth weight.…”

“…Our study demonstrated that maternal and cord blood levels of RBP4 had no association with fetal birth weight and with IL-8 and IL-17 levels. Previously, high levels of cord blood RBP4 were suggested to be associated with the delivery of LGA/SGA neonates [10] but another study opposed these findings [12]. Giacomozzi et al suggested an association between SGA infants and cord blood RBP4 levels [11], RBP4 levels were suggested to decrease in SGA infants independent of insulin resistance markers [11].…”

Proteomic analysis of reproduction proteins involved in litter size from porcine placenta

“…Human RBP4 concentrations in cord serum are significantly correlated with fetal birth weight. 37) In addition, supplementing vitamin A in the diet of pregnant sows increases litter size, and RBP4 is highly expressed at about 12 days of pregnancy. [38][39] Taken together with these previous reports, the current data provide a clear indication that retinol and/or RBP4 plays an important role in the porcine placenta and that RBP4 expression could be a useful protein indicator for determining litter size.…”