Detection And Analysis Of Serum Retinol-binding Protein 4 (RBP4) And Sex Hormones Levels In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Background and objective: The expression of retinol-binding protein 4(RBP4)is different in men and women.However,the expression of RBP4 in patients with coronary artery disease(CAD)with different sexes has not been clearly established.Sex hormones,especially testosterone(T)and estradiol ?(E2),have been considered to play an important role in CAD.This study aimed to investigate the expression of RBP4 and sex hormones and their relationship in CAD.Methods: The study included 658 subjects who underwent coronary angiography;they were assigned to CAD group(n=440)and controls(n=218).CAD group was subdivided into three subgroups including stable angina(n=110),unstable angina(n=239)and acute myocardial infarction(n=91).The severity of coronary artery stenosis was assessed using the Gensini score.RBP4 and T levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELSA).E2 levels were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.SPSS version 21.0(IBM Corp.,Armonk,NY,USA)statistical software was used for statistical analysis.Results: For men,RBP4 levels were lower in CAD group,especially those with acute myocardial infarction,than in controls(P<0.05,P<0.01,respectively).For women,no significant difference was found in RBP4 levels between both groups.RBP4 was positively correlated with T in male patients with CAD(r=0.124,P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that RBP4 was a protective factor for CAD(odds ratio 0.975,95% confidence interval 0.958–0.993;P=0.007).Conclusion: In conclusion,RBP4 levels were significantly decreased and positively related with T in men with CAD.Higher RBP4 levels were associated with lower risk of CAD.RBP4 may play a potential protective role for CAD among men.