Systematic review and meta-analyses of adipokine levels in hypothyroidism: a role for retinol-binding protein 4

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #adipokines #hypothyroidism #retinol-binding-proteins-plasma #biomarkers

Systematic review and meta-analyses of adipokine levels in hypothyroidism: a role for retinol-binding protein 4

Torres et al., 2025 | Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab | Meta Analysis

Citation

Torres Emiliana Maria, Tellechea Mariana Lorena. Systematic review and meta-analyses of adipokine levels in hypothyroidism: a role for retinol-binding protein 4. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2025-Jan;20(1):87-98. doi:10.1080/17446651.2024.2438231

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism (HT) is associated with numerous well-characterized comorbidities and established biomarkers for subclinical atherosclerosis which may lead to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease; however, the precise molecular mechanism underlying these pathological features remains elusive. Increased levels of adipokines may have adverse effects on multiple atherosclerotic risk factors in HT. Different studies have evaluated the association between HT and adipokines with conflicting results. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted to provide an overview of adipokine levels in HT. The last literature search was done in February 2024 for studies analyzing traditional and novel circulating adipokines levels (excluding resistin and irisin) in patients with HT. The standard mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effect models except if no heterogeneity was found. RESULTS: HT was not associated with leptin, adiponectin, omentin-1, visfatin, or apelin levels; however, increased retinol-binding protein 4 (RPB4) levels were found in both overall and subclinical HT (p-values = 0.0002 and 0.004 respectively). CONCLUSION: While pooled analysis suggested a role for RBP4 in hypothyroid patients, associations do not imply cause-effect relationships, and therefore the potential clinical implications of these findings should await further mechanistic studies. REGISTRATION: The protocol has been registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the identification number CRD42024537717.

Key Findings

HT was not associated with leptin, adiponectin, omentin-1, visfatin, or apelin levels; however, increased retinol-binding protein 4 (RPB4) levels were found in both overall and subclinical HT (p-values = 0.0002 and 0.004 respectively).

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population ht
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Adipokines
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma
  • Biomarkers

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-a

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09