Adipocyte-derived cytokine resistin causes endothelial dysfunction of porcine coronary arteries

Obesity has been considered to be an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and other vascular lesions. Resistin is a newly discovered adipocyte-derived cytokine, and its plasma levels are increased in obese individuals. However, it is not clear whether resistin could directly contribute to vascular disease formation. This study showed that resistin can cause endothelial dysfunction in porcine coronary arteries through oxidative stress and down-regulation of eNOS. Thus, this study may suggest a new mechanism of obesity-associated vascular disease and that antioxidants may effectively prevent vascular disease in obese individuals.