Abstract

Resistin belongs to a family of cysteine-rich secreted polypeptides produced by monocy-tes/macrophages. It is also regarded as a novel adipokine that has been suggested to play a role in the development of insulin resistance and obesity. In humans, inflammatory cells seem to be the major source of resistin. Resistin has been suggested to be an independent risk factor involved in the pathogenesis of numerous disorders. Cardiovascular complications account for significant morbidity and mortality. Moreover, resistin has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various vascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary artery disease and heart failure. Hence, the present review discussed the role of resistin in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders.

Key words: Resistin, cardiovascular disorders, adipokine, cysteine, macrophages, monocytes.