Novel adipokine associated with OA: retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is produced by cartilage and is correlated with MMPs in osteoarthritis patients

We show here, for the first time, that RBP4 is produced within OA joints and that it is associated with increased levels of adipokines and MMPs. The results suggest a role for RBP4 in the pathogenesis of OA and as a possible target for the disease-modifying drugs for the treatment of OA.