Implications of resistin in type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease: Impairing insulin function and inducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic and chronic disorder, which is very common all over the world. Many genetic and nongenetic factors are involved in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Meanwhile, the resistin gene is an important candidate in the pathogenesis of this complex condition. High levels of transcription of the resistin gene are associated with inflammation, insulin resistance, initiation and development of T2DM and atherosclerosis progression through induction of secretion of bioactive materials from adipocytes. Releasing adipose tissue-derived inflammatory cytokines is associated with inflammatory processes activation, which causes inhibition of insulin action via interference with insulin signaling, such that these disorders can contribute to insulin resistance. With the direct effect of resistin and other inflammatory mediators on vascular endothelial cells and arterial walls, the expression of cell adhesion molecules is increased. This process can lead to atherosclerosis and will result in coronary artery disease (CAD). In this review, we will explore the effects of resistin on inflammation and insulin resistance that may lead to type 2 diabetes and CAD.