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<25kg/m2) and obese subjects (BMI≥30kg/m2) (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 (HOMAIR). 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 HOMAIR which may reflect its effects on hepatic insulin sensitivity. © 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists.