Effects of resistin expression on glucose metabolism and hepatic insulin resistance

In order to observe the effect of increased serum resistin on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and hepatic insulin resistance (IR), mice were intravenously injected with recombinant adenovirus carrying the resistin gene (Adv-resistin-EGFP). Changes in hepatic glucose metabolism were observed using the Periodic Acid-Schiff method. Hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation was assessed by Western blot analysis, and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) mRNA expression was determined using real-time RT-PCR. Although no effect on fasting blood glucose was detected, increased fasting insulin levels, decreased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and reduced hepatic glycogen levels and AMPK activation were seen in the Adv-resistin-EGFP mice. Finally, elevated G6Pase and PEPCK mRNA expression levels were detected upon overexpression of resistin. Resistin may inhibit hepatic AMPK activity, which results in elevated expression of gluconeogenic enzymes thereby affecting glucose metabolism and leading to decreased glycogen storage that contributes to the development of hepatic IR.