Resistin – a marker of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ secreting a number of hormones – adipokines. One of them is resistin, which is produced not only by adipocytes, but also by monocytes, macrophages, cardiomyocytes. Since the beginning of its discovery in 2001 the effect of this adipokine on insulin resistance has been studied. However, later his role in the initiation of inflammatory reactions, activation of the endothelium, proliferation of smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels have been researched, and therefore resistin began to be considered as a possible marker of cardiovascular pathology. This review article presents data on resistin in terms of its effect on the development and progress of cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords

• resistin
• adipokines
• adipose tissue
• cardiovascular diseases