Serum Retinol-binding Protein 4 Levels in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Recent studies suggest serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of IR. The aims of this study were to determine serum RBP4 levels in patients with biopsy proven NAFLD, and to correlate these levels with the metabolic profile and histologic features in this population. METHODS: Our cohort consisted of 51 consecutive patients undergoing liver biopsy for clinical suspicion of NAFLD. Patients were subsequently divided into 3 groups: simple steatosis (n=16), borderline nonalcoholic steatohepa..