Plasma levels and adipose tissue messenger ribonucleic acid expression of retinol-binding protein 4 are reduced during calorie restriction in obese subjects but are not related to diet-induced changes in insulin sensitivity.

Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) may play a role in the development of insulin resistance. We investigated whether RBP4 adipose tissue mRNA expression and plasma level are related to insulin sensitivity during a diet-induced weight loss. Obese women followed a dietary intervention composed of a 4-wk very low-calorie diet (VLCD), a 2-month low-calorie diet, and 3-4 months of a weight maintenance (WM) phase. Clinical investigation was performed before and at the end of each phase. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Adipose tissue mRNA and plasma levels of RBP4 were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively. Weight and fat mass decreased during VLCD and were stabilized during WM. Glucose disposal rate increased during VLCD and remained elevated thereafter. Plasma levels of RBP4 decreased after VLCD and, although increasing at subsequent phases, remained lower than prediet values. Adipose tissue mRNA levels were diminished after VLCD, and increased during low-calorie diet and WM to reach basal values. Basal RBP4 levels or diet-induced variations of RBP4 were not different in lean women and two groups of obese women with high- and low-insulin sensitivity. Severe calorie restriction promotes a reduction in adipose tissue and plasma levels of RBP4. The study does not bring evidence for a role for RBP4 in the regulation of diet-induced changes in insulin sensitivity.