RBP4

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between circulating retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels in early pregnancy and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A nested case-control study was conducted with 332 women who developed GDM and 664 matched controls. Serum RBP4 levels were measured during early pregnancy (6-15 weeks of gestation), and the association with GDM risk was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. The study found that higher serum RBP4 levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM. For example, the odds ratio (OR) comparing the extreme quartiles of serum RBP4 levels was 2.26 (95% CI: 1.34, 3.81), and each standard deviation (SD) increase in RBP4 was associated with a 1.39-fold higher risk of GDM. These findings were further supported by a meta-analysis, which confirmed that RBP4 levels in early pregnancy are independently linked to GDM risk. The results suggest that RBP4 could provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying GDM and may serve as a potential biomarker for early prediction and intervention.