Abstract

Adipose tissue, in addition to storing energy, secretes numerous factors implicated in modulating insulin, sensitivity and energy balance, such as leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α and resistin. Resistin, is a hormone that is produced by fatty cells, a recently described adipokine belonging to the cysteine-rich secretory protein family, was originally described as an adipocyte-derived polypeptide that links obesity and insulin resistance in mice. However, in humans, resistin is expressed at very low concentrations in adipose cells, but at high levels in mononuclear leukocytes, macrophages, spleen cells and bone marrow cells. In recent years, several studies have showed that resistin may play a role in cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and also inflammation and process of inflammation – related diseases. This review will summarize the results of studies related with resistin.

Key words: Adipose tissue, resistin, disease.