Resistin

Resistin, also known as Adipose Tissue-Specific Secretory Factor (ADSF) or Found in Inflammatory Zone 3 (FIZZ3), is a cysteine-rich adipose-derived peptide hormone that plays a role in the regulation of insulin resistance and obesity. It is encoded by the RETN gene in humans.

Function

Resistin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue. It is known to increase during obesity and contributes to insulin resistance. Resistin interferes with the ability of insulin to suppress glucose production by the liver and therefore plays a role in glucose homeostasis. It also plays a role in inflammation, with levels increasing in response to inflammatory signals.

Structure

Resistin is a 108 amino acid polypeptide that has a unique structure. It is characterized by a signal peptide at the N-terminus and a cysteine-rich C-terminal segment. The protein is secreted as a dimer, with each monomer consisting of a single chain of 92 amino acids.

Clinical significance

Resistin has been linked to several pathological conditions including obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of resistin have been found in the blood of obese and insulin-resistant mouse models, as well as in humans with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

See also

• Adipose tissue
• Insulin resistance
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease