Response of Serum Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) Levels and Insulin Resistance to Aerobic Exercise in Adults with Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review of Studies Conducted in Iran

Abbas  Saremi; Rahman  Soori; Omid  Zafarmand

doi:10.18502/ssu.v33i11.21066

Abbas Saremi Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran.
Rahman Soori Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Omid Zafarmand Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, School of Humanities, University of Yasouj, Yasouj, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v33i11.21066

Keywords: Aerobic exercise, RBP4, insulin resistance, metabolic disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Retinoic acid-binding protein-4 (RBP4) is an adipokine released from both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues into the bloodstream, playing a crucial role in regulating systemic blood glucose metabolism through hepatic gluconeogenesis. This study was conducted to review and analyze existing studies on the effectiveness of various aerobic exercise protocols on changes in serum RBP4 levels and insulin resistance in adults suffering from metabolic disorders.

Methods: In this systematic review, relevant information was systematically extracted by searching for keywords associated with the effects of aerobic exercise on RBP4 and insulin resistance in adults with metabolic disorders across several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Magiran, Irandon, Noor Mags, and Sid. All studies published domestically in Persian and English from March 21, 2001 to February 7, 2025, by Iranian researchers in this field were systematically extracted.

Results: The analysis of 8 studies involving 221 adults participants with metabolic disorders in this systematic review indicated that aerobic exercise improved RBP4 levels and reduced insulin resistance in adults with metabolic disorders through various physiological mechanisms.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrated that aerobic exercise led to changes in serum RBP4 levels and insulin resistance in adults with metabolic disorders, suggesting it could serve as a vital strategy for the prevention and control of this metabolic disorder in adults.