Urinary Retinol-binding protein 4 versus serum creatinine: Predictors of impaired renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes

Objectives: To find the role of urinary retinol binding protein 4 (RBP-4) compared to serum creatinine, as a better predictors of impaired renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methodology: In this cross sectional study, 60 patients with T2D and 20 controls were included. Age of patients was in the range of 35-60 years with duration of diabetes <5.0 years. After an overnight fast, 5 ml blood was taken for analyses of fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Their urine sample was also collected for estimation of urinary RBP-4. Estimation of fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine was carried out by using standard kit read by autoanalyzer. Level of urinary RBP 4 was estimated by ELISAtechnique. Results: It is observed that the level of fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar and HBA1c was significantly (P<0.001) increased in patients as compared to control subjects. Comparison of renal function in cases and controls showed that the levels of BUN, serum creatinine and of urinary RBP-4 was increased in patients as compared to controls but significant difference (P<0.001) was only observed in case of urinary RBP-4. Conclusion: Urinary RBP-4 is an early indicator of renal impairment than serum creatinine in patients with type 2 diabetes. Estimation of RBP-4 may help to prevent renal failure in patients with DM.