Abstract: Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), synthesized in the liver, is an adipocytokine existing in the circulation. It is closely related to the incidence of macrovascular complications of diabetes. It also promotes the occurrence and development of diabetic microangiopathy. This paper summarized the progress in the field about the structure and function of RBP4, RBP4 and coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis, as well as RBP4 and diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy.

Key words: retinol binding protein 4, diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, coronary heart disease, atheroselerosis, review