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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Bile Duct Ligation in Mice: Induction of Inflammatory Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Obstructive Cholestasis
Published on: February 10, 2015
Resistin-like molecule alpha reduces gallbladder optimal tension.
Hayder H Al-Azzawi1, Abhishek Mathur, Debao Lu
1Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Summary
Resistin-like molecule alpha (RELM-alpha) increases insulin resistance and reduces gallbladder contractility in mice. Resistin did not affect these parameters, suggesting RELM-alpha may contribute to gallbladder dysfunction in insulin resistance.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Insulin resistance is linked to gallbladder issues like impaired emptying.
- Adipose-derived hormones resistin and resistin-like molecule alpha (RELM-alpha) are implicated in insulin resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of resistin and RELM-alpha on insulin resistance and gallbladder contractility.
- To determine if these hormones could mediate insulin resistance-associated gallbladder dysmotility.
Main Methods:
- Nondiabetic lean mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of resistin or RELM-alpha for seven days.
- Gallbladder contractility was assessed in vitro after cholecystectomy.
- Insulin resistance was measured using the HOMA index, alongside serum hormone and glucose levels.
Main Results:
- RELM-alpha administration significantly increased the HOMA index, indicating induced insulin resistance.
- RELM-alpha also decreased gallbladder optimal tension.
- Resistin administration had no significant effect on insulin resistance or gallbladder function.
Conclusions:
- RELM-alpha, but not resistin, induces insulin resistance and reduces gallbladder optimal tension in mice.
- These findings suggest RELM-alpha may play a role in the gallbladder dysmotility associated with insulin resistance.
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