Estimation of Retinoid Binding Protein (RBP-4) in Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Case–Control Study.

Abstract

Background: Potentially malignant disorders (PMD) such as leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), and oral lichen planus (OLP) precede a significant proportion of oral squamous cell carcinoma cases. Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, are known to influence cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4) is the principal carrier of retinol and may serve as a biomarker in PMDs.
Aim: To estimate serum RBP-4 levels in patients with PMDs and compare them with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: This case–control study included 80 individuals (60 males, 20 females) attending the outpatient department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Haldia Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, West Bengal. Participants were grouped as: Group 1: Healthy controls (n=20), Group 2: Leukoplakia (n=20), Group 3: OSMF (n=20), Group 4: OLP (n=20). Serum RBP-4 levels were estimated using a human RBP-4 ELISA kit. Data were analyzed for statistical significance. Results: Mean serum RBP-4 levels were highest in leukoplakia patients (statistically highly significant), moderately elevated in OSMF (statistically significant), and comparable to controls in OLP (not significant).
Conclusion: Serum RBP-4 shows potential as a diagnostic biomarker for leukoplakia and possibly OSMF, while its role in OLP remains uncertain. Larger, multicentric studies are needed to validate these findings.