RBP4 (retinol-binding protein 4) is a carrier protein that transports vitamin A (retinol) from the liver to the peripheral tissues. Synthesized primarily by hepatocytes and adipocytes as a 21 kDa non-glycosylated protein,RBP4 is secreted into the circulation as a retinol-RBP4 complex. In plasma the RBP4-retinol complex is bound to transthyretin (TRR),which prevents prevent kidney filtration. Two truncated forms of RBP4,RBP4-L (truncated at Leu-183) and RBP4-LL (truncated at Leu-182 and Leu-183),exist by proteolytic process. RBP4-L and RBP4-LL,which do not bind TTR,are normally excreted into the urine but accumulate in the serum during renal failure. Urinary RBP4 has been reported as marker for glomerular disease. RBP4 also was identified as an adipokine that elevated in some insulin-resistant states. Measurement of serum RBP4 could be used to assess the risk of insulin resistance,type 2 diabetes,obesity,and cardiovascular disease. (18752671,16034410)