Elevated plasma resistin concentrations in patients with liver cirrhosis

Background:  Resistin, an adipose-derived polypeptide hormone, has been proposed to be a candidate in insulin resistance, although its role in humans remains controversial. Liver cirrhosis (LC) is characterized by an elevated number of circulating proinflammatory cytokines, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma resistin levels in patients with LC. Methods:  Resistin levels were determined in 79 patients with LC and in 31 healthy controls. Patients included 34 with Child–Pugh grade A, 30 with Child's B and 15 with Child's C LC. Fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, adiponectin, the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and biochemical parameters were also determined. Results:  Plasma resistin levels were 7.61 ± 6.70 ng/mL in the LC patients and 3.38 ± 1.68 ng/mL in the controls, respectively. The plasma resistin levels were significantly elevated in patients with LC in comparison to the controls (P < 0.01). The plasma resistin levels increased in a stepwise fashion in line with a higher grade according to Child–Pugh classification. Fasting plasma insulin, adiponectin and HOMA-IR index were also significantly elevated in patients with LC in comparison to controls. Inversely, QUICKI significantly decreased in patients with LC. According to Spearman's rank correlation, log resistin showed significantly positive correlation with fasting plasma insulin, log adiponectin, HOMA-IR index, and a negative correlation with QUICKI (P < 0.01). The plasma resistin levels did not correlate with sex, body mass index and fasting plasma glucose levels. Conclusion:  The plasma resistin levels increased in patients with LC, thus showing a positive correlation with fasting plasma insulin, adiponectin, HOMA-IR index, and a negative correlation with QUICKI. Although a decreased extraction of resistin due to reduced liver function cannot be ruled out, resistin may contribute to insulin resistance in patients with LC. The pathophysiological roles of resistin in LC still require further investigation.