Resistin is a recently discovered hormone that is exclusively expressed in 
adipose tissue. Its expression in rodents was reported to be elevated or 
suppressed in genetic and diet-induced obesity, respectively. Resistin treatment 
impaired glucose tolerance and insulin action. Immunoneutralization of resistin 
improved insulin sensitivity, while thiazolidinedione treatment reduced resistin 
expression. Therefore, resistin could play a critical role in the development of 
obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this study were determined resistin plasma 
levels in humans suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes and in healthy 
controls. Plasma levels of resistin in healthy controls were 38.78 ng/ml. They 
were not statistically different in individuals with a broad BMI range. Resistin 
plasma levels in type 2 diabetes were 38.7 ng/ml, and 39.4 ng/ml in type 1 
diabetes. Thiazolidinedione treatment did not influence resistin plasma levels. 
We conclude from our data: 1. resistin can be detected in human plasma, 2. 
plasma resistin levels are not different in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.