Resistin as an adipokine

Obesity is tightly linked to type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning this observation remain incompletely understood. One proposed mechanism is that obesity alters the expression and secretion of polypeptide hormones by adipocytes, actively contributing to insulin resistance in multiple tissues. Resistin is one candidate molecule in this process, as a protein that has been shown to disturb glucose homeostasis and impair insulin action in rodent models of obesity and diabetes. Additionally, resistin inhibits adipogenesis and promotes inflammation, linking excess fat mass to inflammation, impaired systemic insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Much work remains to be done, but future studies on resistin will likely provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases associated with obesity.