Hyperglycemia-induced changes in resistin gene expression in white adipose tissue in piglets

Previous data strongly indicated that resistin, an adipocyte-derived signalling peptide, plays an important role in metabolism and glucose homeostasis. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine changes in synthesis and concentration of resistin in white adipose tissue in response to hyperglycemia in piglets. In order to develop hyperglycemia, piglets (10-week-old, Polish Landrace fatteners, female) received intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 150 mg streptozotocin (HI, n=6) or 60 mg synthetic glucocorticoid (HII, n=6). An injection of NaCl physiological saline was used as a control (n=6). Plasma resistin level was significantly higher in HII group compared with the control, while no difference was observed in HI. In epicardial adipose tissue (EAT ) the resistin mRNA level significantly increased whereas the opposite effect was observed for omental fat tissue (OAT ) in both experimental groups. Additionally, the resistin concentration did not change in EAT ; however, it was decreased in omental adipose tissue in response to hyperglycemia. The results obtained indicate that activity of resistin strongly depends on glycemic status as well as adipose tissue localization.