Basic and clinical aspects of resistin

Resistin is a peptide hormone belonging to the class of cysteine-rich secreted proteins involved in the modulation of inflammation and immunity, particularly in insulin-resistant states. Circulating levels of resistin are elevated in obesity, diabetes and other chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. However, the pathogenic role of resistin in the onset and progression of these diseases is not completely understood and the partial homology of resistin in animal models compared to humans limits our understanding of its physiological role. This review aims to summarize the main mechanisms linking resistin to inflammation as well as its clinical significance in different chronic liver and gastrointestinal diseases.