Resistin by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Resistin is a 12.5-kDa polypeptide hormone produced by adipocytes and immunocompetent cells. Resistin was originally proposed as a link between obesity and insulin resistance/diabetes. Later, studies revealed that substantial inter-species differences exist between the major sites of resistin production in rodents (adipocytes) and humans (immunocompetent cells). While in rodents resistin appears to have an important role in the development of liver insulin resistance, its role in humans is less clear, and it is probably involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes rather than in insulin sensitivity. Adipose tissue is a highly active metabolic and endocrine organ. Adipose cells secrete leptin, resistin, adiponectin, adipsin, acylation-stimulating protein, angiotensinogen, tumour necrosis factor a, interleukin-6, retinol-binding protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue factor, fasting-induced adipose factor, fibrinogen/angiopoetin-related protein, and metallothionein.

Resistin in Health and Disease

Resistin may be an inflammatory marker associated with CAD. Resistin and adiponectin are also implicated in insulin resistance and atherosclerosis.