RBP4 and endothelial dysfunction: Adipokines including leptin, resistin, protein 4 (FABP4), and retinol binding protein 4(RBP4),[57,58] have also been considered as risk factors associated with CVDs, stroke and hypertension.[59–62] They are reported to be capable of inducing tissue factor, producing C-reactive protein,[59,60] promoting insulin resistance[63] and stimulating inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress, atherogenesis and thrombosis, resulting in endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and atherosclerotic plaques.