Background: Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is an adipocyte-secreted hormone
considered to link obesity with cardiovascular complications. The oxidative stress
caused by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS)) has been concerned in
the pathophysiology of obesity. We evaluated serum RBP-4 and plasma total thiols
(TT) in generalized obesity (GO) and abdominal obesity (AO) as regard to
cardiovascular risk factors. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), C- reactive protein (CRP)
and lipid profile were also evaluated. Subjects and Methods: Sixty obese subjects
were recruited [30 abdominally obese (AO) subjects (15 males and 15 females); their
mean± SD of age was 49.5±5.5 years. Their waist circumference (WC) was > 102 cm
for men or > 88 cm for women) and waist/hip ratio (WC divided by that of the hips of
> 0.9 for men and > 0.85 for women)] and [30 generalized obese (GO) subjects (22
males and 8 females; their mean± SD of age was 42.5± 8 years), their body mass
index (BMI) was ≥ 30-34.9 kg/m2, with normal WC]. Serum levels of RBP-4 were
measured by ELISA, serum levels of TT were measured by colorimetric methods,
blood HbA1c%, lipid profiles and CRP were also determined. Subjects with AO had
significantly higher circulating RBP-4 and CRP levels compared to GO (p< 0.05 for
each). Total thiols levels were significantly lower in AO subjects compared to GO
(p< 0.05). Total serum cholesterol, triglycerides and HbA 1c% increased with BMI,
WC and waist/hip ratio (WHR), but the relations were statistically insignificant.
Conclusion: The study revealed that RBP-4 is autonomously related to visceral fat
accumulations and cardiovascular diseases. The study also revealed the beneficial
effect of TT against obesity and cardiovascular disease and the potential clinical
applicability of RBP4 and total thiols in cardiovascular diseases.