An Update to the WISP-1/CCN4 Role in Obesity, Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

Insulin resistance refers to the diminished response of peripheral tissues to insulin and is considered the major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Although many possible mechanisms have been reported to develop insulin resistance, the exact underlying processes remain unclear. In recent years, the role of adipose tissue as a highly active metabolic and endocrine organ, producing proteins called adipokines and their multidirectional activities has gained interest. The physiological effects of adipokines include energy homeostasis and insulin sensitivity regulation. In addition, an excess of adipose tissue is followed by proinflammatory state which results in dysregulation of secreted cytokines contributing to insulin resistance. Wingless-type (Wnt) inducible signalling pathway protein-1 (WISP-1), also known as CCN4, has recently been described as a novel adipokine, whose circulating levels are elevated in obese and insulin resistant individuals. Growing evidence suggests that WISP-1 may participate in the impaired glucose homeostasis. In this review, we characterize WISP-1 and summarize the latest reports on the role of WISP-1 in obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.