Objective: This study specifically assessed plasma retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), an inflammatory marker, in young healthy women, with emphasis on its potential relations to dietary intake and lifestyle features.
Methods: Seventy-four women with a mean age of 20.5 +/- 2.5 y and body mass index of 21.3 +/- 2.3 kg/m(2) were enrolled. Anthropometric, blood pressure, glucose, lipid profile, RBP4, and insulin concentrations were determined. Nutritional intakes were estimated by a validated semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Physical activity and smoking status were evaluated with appropriate tools.
Results: Regarding anthropometric and biochemical variables, only triacylglycerol concentration had a positive and significant association with plasma RBP4 concentrations (P < 0.001). Trans fatty acid intake, vitamin A intake, and smoking time showed positive and significant correlations with RBP4 concentrations (P < 0.05). Furthermore, individuals with a higher selenium intake (P = 0.027), non-smoking participants (P = 0.032), and subjects who self-declared to practice some physical activity (P = 0.030) presented significantly lower RBP4 concentrations. Interestingly, selenium intake was inversely and significantly associated with RBP4 concentration (P = 0.018) when adjusted for smoking status, energy intake, and vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc intakes. Plasma RBP4 concentrations were also associated with smoking status (P = 0.035), adjusted for potential confounding factors.
Conclusion: This translational research revealed that dietary intake of a nutrient with an impact on oxidative stress such as selenium and lifestyle features such as smoking habit can modulate RBP4 concentrations. Our results suggest that plasma RBP4 values could be a valuable tool to screen potential nutrient and inflammation interactions.