Systemic resistin is increased in type 2 diabetic patients treated with loop diuretics

The Association between Serum Resistin Level, Resistin (-420C/G) Single Nucleotide Variant, and Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction, including Salt Taste Preference in Hypertensive Patients

Background: Resistin action links to conditions such as diabetes, obesity, but its role in hypertension is less well understood. This study aimed to estimate the relationship between resistin (−420G/C) single nucleotide variant (SNV) and markers associated with endothelial dysfunction in hypertension. Methods: The study enrolled 162 hypertensive patients (HT) and 165 non-hypertensive (NHT) patients. Resistin serum concentration was estimated with immuoenzymatic assay. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and arterial stiffness index (SI), uric acid (UA) serum concentration, and salty taste preference of normal (NS) or high (HS) were assessed in the study. Genotyping was achieved by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Resistin concentration and SI do not differ significantly between HT and NHT individuals; UA significantly increased in HT subjects. Resistin, UA, and SI did not differ among particular resistin genotypes in HT, NHT, NS, or HS groups. GG and CG genotypes were more frequent (OR 1.57 (95% CI; 1.01–2.43); p = 0.04) in hypertensive individuals than the NHT group, but less frequent (OR 0.58 (95% CI; 0.37–0.91); p = 0.01) in HS patients compared to NS individuals. Concerning HT patients with different salt preferences, GG + CG genotypes were less frequent (OR 0.50 (95% CI; 0.26–0.97); p = 0.04) in the HS group than in NS individuals. HT carriers of GG and CG genotype have significantly increased UA concentrations compared to the respective NHT subjects. HS individuals carrying GG and CG genotypes have higher SI values than the NS group. Allele G of SNV (−420G/C) adjusted for age, BMI, serum resistin, UA concentration, salt taste preference, SI, and HR values increased the risk of developing hypertensive phenotype 1.8 fold. Conclusions: Resistin SNV (−420G/C) is related to several markers associated with endothelial dysfunction, including salt taste preference in hypertensive patients.

Diabetes-associated dysregulated cytokines and cancer

Epidemiological data demonstrate that patients with diabetes have an augmented risk of developing various types of cancers, accompanied by higher mortality. A number of mechanisms for this connection have been hypothesized, such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and increased inflammatory processes. Apart from these potential mechanisms, several diabetes-associated dysregulated cytokines might be implicated in the link between diabetes and cancer. In fact, some inflammatory cytokines, e.g. TNF-α, IL-6 and leptin, have been revealed to play important roles in both initiation and progression of tumor. Here, we depict the role of these cytokines in key events of carcinogenesis and cancer development, including their capability to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, their participation in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and metastasis. Finally, we will also highlight the existing knowledge in terms of the involvement of these cytokines in different cancer types and comment on potential significances for future clinical applications.

Rapid cloning and comparative sequence analysis of full-length cDNA of Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) resistin

Resistin protein is thought to link insulin resistance in murine models of obesity and type-2 diabetes, but the role of resistin in human studies of inflammatory metabolic disorders have generated conflicting data. Here, we describe the structure of the resistin gene using adipose tissue from non-human primates (NHPs), which have been used extensively to model a host of human diseases. Full-length cDNA from rhesus macaque resistin obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) is comprised of 526 nucleotides covering an open-reading frame (ORF) that encodes a 108-amino-acid protein that is 92% homologous with the human counterpart but only 60% homologous with the murine counterpart. Using a modified polymerase chain reaction technique, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms and a 78-bp deletion within resistin cDNA of nine rhesus macaques. Comparisons of the full-length cDNA sequence and an amplified 569-bp genomic DNA sequence revealed an error in published predictions arising from genomic studies about the gene's exon 3 region. Our data show, for the first time, the full-length macaque resistin cDNA sequence (GenBank: JF740676.1). These findings will illuminate future studies into the role of resistin in NHP models of inflammatory metabolic diseases.

Leptin, resistin and visfatin: the missing link between endocrine metabolic disorders and immunity

Adipose tissue is still regarded as a principle site for lipid storage and mobilizing tissue with an important role in the control of energy homeostasis. Additionally, adipose tissue-secreted hormones such as leptin, visfatin, resistin, apelin, omentin, sex steroids, and various growth factors are now regarded as a functional part of the endocrine system. These hormones also play an important role in the immune system. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested the complex role of adipocyte-derived hormones in immune system and inflammation. Adipokines mediate beneficial and detrimental effects in immunity and inflammation. Many of these adipocytokines have a physiological role in metabolism. The uncontrolled secretions of several adipocytokines were associated with the stimulation of inflammatory processes leading to metabolic disorders including obesity, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Obesity leads to the dysfunction of adipocytes andcorrelated with the imbalance of adipokines levels. In obese and diabetic conditions, leptin deficiency inhibited the Jak/Stat3/PI3K and insulin pathways. In this review, ample evidence exists to support the recognition of the adipocyte’s role in various tissues and pathologies. New integral insights may add dimensions to translate any potential agents into the future clinical armamentarium of chronic endocrine metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Functional balance of both adipocytes and immune cells is important to exert their effects on endocrine metabolic disorders; furthermore, adipose tissue should be renamed not only as a functional part of the endocrine system but also as a new part of the immune system.

Aqueous Extract from Pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) Attenuated Hyperlipidemia and Cardiac Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Mice

This study examined the lipid-lowering and cardiac protective effects of aqueous extract of pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) in type 2 diabetic mice. Pepino at 1, 2, or 5% was supplied for 8 weeks. Results showed that pepino significantly decreased water intake and epididymal fat pad weight in diabetic mice (P < 0.05). Pepino treatments also significantly reduced plasma glucose and insulin levels, HOMA-IR index, and improved oral glucose tolerance (P < 0.05). Plasma and hepatic levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol (TC) were higher in diabetic groups when compared with normal group (P < 0.05), pepino treatments at 2 and 5% decreased triglyceride and TC levels in both plasma and liver (P < 0.05). Diabetes enhanced mRNA expression of resistin and diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (DGAT1) in epididymal fat pad (P < 0.05); however, pepino intake significantly suppressed mRNA expression of resistin and DGAT1 in epididymal fat pad (P < 0.05). Pepino intake significantly reduced reactive oxygen species level, increased glutathione level, and retained glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in cardiac tissues (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that pepino could be considered as a functional food for the alleviation of type 2 diabetes.

The role of resistin in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

To date the role of resistin in colorectal cancer (CRC) is far from being elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum resistin levels and CRC in relation to known risk/protective factors including anthropometric, metabolic, inflammatory parameters as well as lifestyle individual characteristics.

METHODS

40 CRC patients and 40 controls were enrolled. Body weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure were recorded. Fasting plasma glucose, lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP) and resistin levels were measured. Metabolic Syndrome (MS) was defined according to the harmonized definition.

RESULTS

Resistin levels were significantly higher in CRC patients than in controls (p=0.028) and gradually increased with tumor stage progression (p=0.042). A high resistin level was statistically significant determinant of CRC after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index and lifestyle parameters (p=0.029). Resistin showed a strong association with CRP levels (p ≤ 0.0001). In stepwise regression analysis CRP remained the only independent predictor of both resistin levels (p=0.001) and CRC risk (p=0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

These results clarify the nature of the association between resistin and CRC risk suggesting that the proinflammatory state of cancer, rather than the clinical diagnosis of CRC itself or its link with obesity and MS, may govern this association.