Exploring the Link between Resistin and Chronic Inflammatory Disorders: An Update

Resistin, a small secretory adipokine, was originally thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus.However, significant expression of resistin was found in mononuclear leukocytes, macrophages and stellate cells, with recent literature linking it to inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease (CVD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune disease, malignancy, asthma, and other inflammatory disorders.This review states the current knowledge of resistin and its postulated role in insulin resistance, Type II diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, CVD, tumor biology, rheumatoid arthritis, non-alcoholic liver disease and asthma are explored and summarized