Resistin is a cysteine-rich protein which is often elevated in chronic renal disease and has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) (J Pediatr 2012; 161: 276-80).  It is expressed primarily in macrophages and stimulates the production of interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α).

The cited study examined whether resistin was associated with renal function and inflammatory markers in 319 children from the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) cohort.  The CKiD study is a longitudinal observational study from 46 pediatric nephrology centers in North America.  For this study, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) had to between 30-90 mL/min/1.73 m-squared.

Findings:

• Serum resistin was significantly associated with elevated inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor.
• Resistin levels were negatively correlated with GFR.  The authors state that decreased clearance may not be the only reason for higher resistin levels as chronic kidney disease is a state of chronic inflammation and resistin may be involved in these processes.
• Resistin also was independently associated with pubertal status