Abstract

In recent years obesity is treated as a civilization disorder. It is believed that it is the cause of diseases of many system; moreover, moreover obesity can promote the development of many types of cancers and is a major health hazard for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Currently, the mechanisms underlying the development of obesity are not completely known. Over many years of experiments different factors contributing to the formation of obesity have been recognized. The discovery of resistin as a protein linking obesity to type 2 diabetes marked the beginning of a period of intensive research on this molecule. However, until now its role in the body has been controversial. In rodent resistin is responsible for the development of insulin resistance, but in humans this effect is ambiguous. This protein has strong proinflammatory properties, which can be associated with the development of inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis. It is possible that resistin is involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, mainly by modulating the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids; also, it acts as anorexigenic compound – it suppresses appetite. Resistin affects the functioning of many body systems, including reproductive and cardiovascular systems. Recent reports suggest that resistin can play a role in the development of resistance to leptin. The paper presents the current state of knowledge concerning the biological functions of resistin in the organism and its potential role in the development of leptin resistance. Leptin resistance together with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance all might lead to disorders of energy homeostasis and the development of numerous diseases.

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