Plasma visfatin and retinol binding protein-4 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their relationship to adiposity and fatty liver

Objectives: We investigated whether plasma visfatin and binding protein-4 (RBP-4) levels correlate with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Design and methods: Two groups were enrolled: Group 1: 40 patients with T2DM and Group 2: 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Both groups were subdivided according to body mass index (BMI) into non-obese (BMI<25 kg/m(2)) and obese subjects (BMI >= 30 kg/m(2)) (20 each). Results: Plasma visfatin and RBP-4 levels were significantly increased in T2DM patients compared with controls with similar BMI values (for both p<0.001). Plasma visfatin and RBP-4 concentrations correlated with BMI, waist/hip ratio, insulin and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)). Visfatin and RBP-4 correlated with visceral fat and liver fat in diabetic patients (for both p<0.001). Conclusion: Visfatin level was increased in T2DM, possibly related to hyperglycemia. Plasma RBP-4 correlated positively with liver fat and HOMA(IR) which may reflect its effects on hepatic insulin sensitivity. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.