Resistin-Mediated Mechanisms in Metabolic Disorders
Summary
Resistin is a cysteine-rich adipokine implicated in the interplay between low-grade inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. In humans, macrophages are the principal source of resistin, which acts on adipocytes, hepatocytes, myocytes and endothelial cells to impair insulin signalling. Resistin engages pro-inflammatory pathways including NF-κB, p38 MAPK and Toll-like receptor 4, promoting cytokine release, oxidative stress and mitochondrial alterations that undermine glucose uptake. In chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disorders, resistin exacerbates endothelial dysfunction and pro-thrombotic states via modulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tight-junction proteins. Emerging research has uncovered cross-talk between resistin and the endocannabinoid system through CB1 receptors, suggesting novel routes to inflammation. Hyperresistinemia correlates with insulin resistance indices and cardiovascular risk scores, positioning resistin as both a biomarker and potential therapeutic target in cardiometabolic disease.
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Resistin-Mediated Mechanisms in Metabolic Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in resistin-mediated mechanisms in metabolic disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Resistin: A cysteine-rich adipokine linking inflammation to insulin resistance, produced mainly by macrophages in humans.
Adipokine: A bioactive cytokine secreted by adipose tissue that modulates metabolic and inflammatory processes.
Insulin resistance: A state in which cells fail to respond effectively to insulin, leading to impaired glucose uptake and hyperglycaemia.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS): A lipid-based signalling network involving cannabinoid receptors that regulates energy balance and inflammation.
Hyperresistinemia: Elevated circulating levels of resistin beyond the normal physiological range, associated with metabolic dysfunction.
References
- Resistin Regulates Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in Humans via the Endocannabinoid System. Research (2024).
- Resistin Contribution to Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease Male Patients. Cells (2023).
- Relation of Circulating Resistin to Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Physiology (2019).
- Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Obesity-Induced Hypothalamic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance: Pivotal Role of Resistin/TLR4 Pathways. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2019).
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