Resistin also known as FIZZ3 is an adipocyte-derived cytokine. It was initially identified in 2001 as a 12 k-Da polypeptide Nature. 2001 Jan 18;409(6818):307-12. belonging to a unique family of cysteine rich C-terminal domain proteins called resistin-like molecules. Resistin expression is 15 fold higher in visceral adipose tissue compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue. J Mol Med. 2003 Apr;81(4):218-26
Resistin true to its implied meaning, resists insulin and potentially links obesity to insulin resistance. Resistin causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in mice. Serum resistin levels are elevated in obese rodents, Nature. 2001 Jan 18;409(6818):307-12 although studies have reported variable results. J Mol Med. 2003 Apr;81(4):218-26 Administration of resistin to normal mice impairs glucose tolerance and insulin action. Resistin impairs insulin stimulated glucose uptake in culture adipocytes, while administration of anti-resistin antibodies to animals prevents development of insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia associated with high fat intake. Nature. 2001 Jan 18;409(6818):307-12. Infusion of resistin under euglycemic hyperinsulinemic conditions produces hepatic insulin resistance. Mice lacking resistin did not show any difference in body weight compared with wild type mice when challenged with a high fat diet, but demonstrated improved glucose tolerance even on high fat diet with preserved insulin sensitivity. Science. 2004 Feb 20;303(5661):1195-8. The improved glucose homeostasis is attributed to decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis. Resistin levels in mice decrease with fasting and increase on re-feeding. Resistin increases in response to high fat feeding. Resistin gene and polypeptide expression is down-regulated in adipose tissue exposed to thiazolidinediones.
Resistin is expressed at very low levels in human adipocytes. J Mol Med. 2003 Apr;81(4):218-26 Insulin and TNF-alpha have been shown to inhibit resistin expression, which might explain the low resistin expression in the obese state. Epidemiological studies in humans have not yet identified a consistent link between resistin levels in adipose tissue or circulation and insulin resistance or adiposity. It remains to be clarified whether resistin is a causative factor or merely a bystander in the insulin resistant state. Human resistin is only 59% similar to the mouse resistin, making extrapolation of rodent studies to humans difficult.
Resistin true to its implied meaning, resists insulin and potentially links obesity to insulin resistance. Resistin causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in mice. Serum resistin levels are elevated in obese rodents, Nature. 2001 Jan 18;409(6818):307-12 although studies have reported variable results. J Mol Med. 2003 Apr;81(4):218-26 Administration of resistin to normal mice impairs glucose tolerance and insulin action. Resistin impairs insulin stimulated glucose uptake in culture adipocytes, while administration of anti-resistin antibodies to animals prevents development of insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia associated with high fat intake. Nature. 2001 Jan 18;409(6818):307-12. Infusion of resistin under euglycemic hyperinsulinemic conditions produces hepatic insulin resistance. Mice lacking resistin did not show any difference in body weight compared with wild type mice when challenged with a high fat diet, but demonstrated improved glucose tolerance even on high fat diet with preserved insulin sensitivity. Science. 2004 Feb 20;303(5661):1195-8. The improved glucose homeostasis is attributed to decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis. Resistin levels in mice decrease with fasting and increase on re-feeding. Resistin increases in response to high fat feeding. Resistin gene and polypeptide expression is down-regulated in adipose tissue exposed to thiazolidinediones.
Resistin is expressed at very low levels in human adipocytes. J Mol Med. 2003 Apr;81(4):218-26 Insulin and TNF-alpha have been shown to inhibit resistin expression, which might explain the low resistin expression in the obese state. Epidemiological studies in humans have not yet identified a consistent link between resistin levels in adipose tissue or circulation and insulin resistance or adiposity. It remains to be clarified whether resistin is a causative factor or merely a bystander in the insulin resistant state. Human resistin is only 59% similar to the mouse resistin, making extrapolation of rodent studies to humans difficult.