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Retinol-binding protein 4 may reveal metabolic features of PCOS
Compared with controls, overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome may be more insulin resistant, though their resistance is not reflected by retinol-binding protein 4 levels, according to results of a recent study.
Researchers from Monash University Institute of Health Services Research in Melbourne, Australia, and other sites in Melbourne, conducted a randomized trial to determine the relationship between RBP4 and insulin resistance in women with PCOS.
The trial included 17 controls and 38 women with PCOS who had a BMI >27 kg/m2. The researchers randomly assigned patients with PCOS to one of two treatment arms: 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol/2 mg cyproterone acetate for six months or 1 g metformin twice per day.
RBP4 levels did not differ between those in the PCOS and control groups, though overweight women with PCOS were more insulin resistant (35.4 mcg/mL vs. 28.9 mcg/mL; P=.36). RBP4 was, however, related to cholesterol and triglycerides.
In the PCOS group, insulin resistance improved by 35% with metformin but worsened by 33% with oral contraceptives. In both groups, RBP4 increased but was insignificant (43.7 mcg/mL for metformin vs. 42.6 mcg/mL for oral contraceptives; P=.92). – by Stacey L. Adams
Diabetes Care. 2008;31:1427-1432.