The Utility of Retinol-Binding Protein 4 in Predicting Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients in Response to Direct-Acting Antivirals.

Background: Hepatic fibrosis grading is crucial for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients in monitoring liver disease progression and antiviral treatment indication. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), an adipokine secreted by adipocytes and hepatocytes, has variable levels in health and disease.

Purpose: To comparatively evaluate RBP4 serum levels in predicting liver fibrosis in CHC versus fibroscan, noninvasive fibrosis, and inflammatory indices.