Resistin expression in human granulosa cells

Excerpt

Resistin, also known as found in inflammatory zone 3 (FIZZ 3), is a cysteine-rich low molecular weight member of the FIZZ family of proteins. Resistin levels are elevated in obese mice, and those treated with the recombinant protein exhibit increased insulin resistance, whereas treatment with an antibody against resistin attenuated this condition [1]. Moreover, resistin expression is inhibited by thiazolidinediones which exert insulin-sensitizing effects via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). On the basis of these findings, it was suggested that resistin may be a link between obesity and type-2 diabetes [1]. However, subsequent studies aimed at establishing a similar link between obesity, resistin levels, and type-2 diabetes in humans have been inconclusive [2]. Recent studies show that resistin is produced in the human placenta and its expression in the term placenta is significantly higher than that observed in the first trimester [3]. We have examined for the first time, the mRNA and protein expression of resistin in human granulosa cells obtained from patients undergoing fertility treatment. The mRNA expression of PPARγ, which is involved in the regulation of resistin gene transcription [4], was also examined. …