The serum levels of resistin in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE Adipocyte-derived resistin is a circulating protein implicated in insulin resistance, but the role of human resistin is uncertain because it is produced largely by macrophages. The aim of this study was to analyze serum resistin concentrations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients to determine the role of resistin in human inflammatory diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS Resistin concentrations were assessed by ELISA in serum samples from 42 patients with RA. Serum samples from 38 healthy subjects acted as controls. We also evaluated the circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-alpha) and disease activity markers in RA patients. RESULTS In RA patients, serum resistin levels were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects. Serum resistin levels in RA patients were correlated with the RA disease activity markers, CRP and ESR. Furthermore, resistin levels in RA patients were significantly correlated with circulating levels of TNF-alpha. CONCLUSION Serum resistin levels were significantly increased in RA patients and correlated with inflammatory markers and TNF-alpha, suggesting that resistin may play a role in the rheumatoid inflammatory process.