Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Measuring Relative Insulin Secretion using a Co-Secreted Luciferase Surrogate
Published on: June 25, 2019
Serum R-Spondin 1 Is a New Surrogate Marker for Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Yea Eun Kang1, Ji Min Kim1, Hyon Seung Yi1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
Background:
Recent in vivo studies indicated that R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) regulates food intake and increases insulin secretion, but its role in humans remains unknown. This study investigated the association between serum levels of RSPO1 and diverse metabolic parameters in humans.
Methods:
The study population consisted of 43 subjects with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, and 79 non-diabetic participants. Serum levels of RSPO1 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationships between circulating RSPO1 and diverse metabolic parameters were analyzed.
Results:
Circulating RSPO1 levels increased to a greater extent in the obese group than in the lean group. Moreover, serum levels of RSPO1 were higher in the insulin-resistant group than in the insulin-sensitive group. Serum levels of RSPO1 were significantly correlated with a range of metabolic parameters including body mass index, fasting C-peptide, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, and lipid profile. Moreover, levels were significantly associated with insulin resistance and obesity in non-diabetic subjects.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated the association between serum levels of RSPO1 and a range of metabolic parameters in humans. Serum levels of RSPO1 are significantly related to obesity and insulin resistance, although the precise mechanisms remain unknown.
Related Concept Videos
Obesity
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Resistivity
Resistance
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into...

