Inhibition by insulin of resistin gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Expression of the gene encoding resistin, a low molecular weight protein secreted from adipose tissue postulated to link obesity and type If diabetes, was examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Resistin mRNA was detected in 3T3-L1 cells by day 3 following induction of differentiation into adipocytes; by day 4 the level of resistin mRNA peaked and remained high. The PPAR gamma activators, rosiglitazone or darglitazone, reduced the level of resistin mRNA. Dexamethasone upregulated resistin mRNA level, but no effect was observed with the beta3-adrenoceptor agonist, BRL 37344. A substantial reduction in resistin mRNA level was observed with insulin, which induced decreases at physiological concentrations. Insulin may be a major inhibitor of resistin production, and this does not support a role for resistin in insulin resistance. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies.