Resistin
Metabolic / InflammatoryAlso known as: RETN, FIZZ3, Adipose Tissue-Specific Secretory Factor
AdipokinesResearch phase: Preclinical / Biomarker researchRegulatory: Not approved as drug. Endogenous adipokine. Research interest as inflammatory biomarker.
Mechanism
Resistin is a hormone linked to insulin resistance and inflammation. In humans, it is produced mainly by immune cells and elevated in obesity and inflammatory conditions.
Technical detail
Resistin is a 108-amino acid cysteine-rich adipokine. In rodents it is secreted by adipocytes and directly impairs insulin signaling. In humans, it is predominantly expressed by monocytes/macrophages and signals through TLR4 and CAP1 (adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1), activating NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory cascades. Elevated in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, though its causal role remains debated.