Retinol-binding protein-4 and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

VernacularTitle:Retinol-binding protein-4 and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Author: Hangkai HUANG ¹ ; Chengfu XU
Author Information

1. Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Retinol-binding protein-4; Metabolic disease
From: Chinese Medical Journal 2022;135(10):1182-1189
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming increasingly common as the global economy grows and living standards improve. Timely and effective preventions and treatments for NAFLD are urgently needed. Retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), the protein that transports retinol through the circulation, was found to be positively related to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic diseases. Observational studies on the association between serum RBP4 level and the prevalence of NAFLD found contradictory results. Some of the underlying mechanisms responsible for this association have been revealed, and the possible clinical implications of treating NAFLD by targeting RBP4 have been demonstrated. Future studies should focus on the predictive value of RBP4 on NAFLD development and its potential as a therapeutic target in NAFLD.