Hypertension

Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ that produces substances having local and systemic actions on blood vessels, kidneys, and the heart. Leptin, adiponectin, resistin, angiotensin II, adipsin, TNF-α, IGF-1, plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1, and prostaglandins compose an incomplete list.1Resistin, an adipokine belonging to the cysteine-rich secretory protein family, was described as an adipocyte-derived polypeptide that links obesity and insulin resistance in mice2; however, striking differences in the genomic organization and cellular source of resistin in rodents versus humans and the highly contrasting results of human studies raise doubt about its role as a mediator of human insulin resistance.3 Indeed, human resistin expression is higher in mononuclear blood cells and other nonadipocyte cells of adipose tissue than in adipocytes.4This protein might be involved in inflammation, either being induced by increased cytokine levels or directly stimulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting that inflammation may be a hyperresistinemic state.5,6 Resistin associates with several markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, TNF-α, and IL-6.5 Resistin accumulates in the inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and its inflammatory effects are mediated by NF-κB signaling …