RBP4 and Arthritis: In obese patients, cytokines released by adipocytes, also known as “adipokines”, such as resistin, visfatin, leptin, omentin, adiponectin, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), and other factors, were reported to be associated with promoting the initiation and progression of OA.52–56 Furthermore, cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8, were shown to trigger joint inflammation, which leads to ECM breakdown and cartilage degeneration.