Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026
Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance
Published on: February 17, 2023
Human resistin and the RELM of Inflammation in diabesity
Fatima Al Hannan1, Kevin Gerard Culligan2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain, Building No. 2441, Road 2835, Busaiteen, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Abstract:
The initial discovery of resistin and resistin-like molecules (RELMs) in rodents suggested a role for these adipocytokines in molecular linkage of obesity, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Since then, it became apparent that the story of resistin and RELMs was very much of mice and men. The putative role of this adipokine family evolved from that of a conveyor of insulin resistance in rodents to instigator of inflammatory processes in humans. Structural dissimilarity, variance in distribution profiles and a lack of corroborating evidence for functional similarities separate the biological functions of resistin in humans from that of rodents. Although present in gross visceral fat deposits in humans, resistin is a component of inflammation, being released from infiltrating white blood cells of the sub-clinical chronic low grade inflammatory response accompanying obesity, rather than from the adipocyte itself. This led researchers to further explore the functions of the resistin family of proteins in inflammatory-related conditions such as atherosclerosis, as well as in cancers such as endometrial and gastric cancers. Although elevated levels of resistin have been found in these conditions, whether it is causative or as a result of these conditions still remains to be determined.
Insights
Resistin, initially linked to rodent metabolic issues, is now understood as a human inflammatory protein. Its role in obesity, diabetes, and cancer requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Resistin and resistin-like molecules (RELMs) were initially identified in rodents, suggesting a role in linking obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and metabolic syndrome.
- Subsequent research revealed significant differences between rodent and human resistin functions, evolving its perceived role from insulin resistance to inflammation.
- Structural and distributional variances highlight distinct biological functions in humans versus rodents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the distinct roles of resistin and RELMs in human physiology compared to rodents.
- To investigate the function of resistin as an inflammatory mediator in humans.
- To explore the involvement of resistin in inflammatory conditions like atherosclerosis and cancers.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of resistin and RELM functions across species.
- Investigation of resistin release mechanisms in human adipose tissue.
- Exploration of resistin's association with inflammatory markers and disease states.
Main Results:
- Human resistin functions primarily as an inflammatory mediator, released by white blood cells, not adipocytes.
- Resistin is implicated in the low-grade chronic inflammation associated with obesity.
- Elevated resistin levels are observed in atherosclerosis, endometrial, and gastric cancers, but causality is undetermined.
Conclusions:
- The biological function of resistin differs significantly between rodents and humans.
- Resistin plays a role in human inflammatory processes, particularly in obesity-related inflammation.
- Further research is needed to determine if resistin is a cause or consequence of inflammatory diseases and cancers.
More Related Videos
08:47Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy
Published on: December 7, 2017
08:13Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test OGTT and Insulin Tolerance Test ITT
Published on: January 7, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
01:28Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
01:24Obesity
01:38Inflammation