The effect of resistin on the redox state of breast cancer cells

Resistin is an inflammatory cytokine secreted mostly by adipocytes and immune cells that plays a role in the development of insulin resistance, diabetes, and cancer. We hypothesized that resistin’s inflammatory activity influences the free radical and oxidative stress pathways.

We used human breast carcinogenic (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and non-carcinogenic (MCF-10A) cells in this investigation and correlated the absorbed resistin concentration with the change in oxidative stress (TBARS, carbonated proteins) and antioxidant activity (Antioxidant Capacity, SuperOxideDismutase, CATalase, Glutathione Peroxidase).

Resistin was substantially more effective as a prooxidant at lower (12.5 ng/ml) concentrations, than at higher concentrations (25.0 ng/ml). Vitamin C did not appear to be an effective oxidative stress protector at antioxidant concentrations of 5.10^–4 M. Leptin, at 100 ng/ml, did not result in conclusive oxidative stress or antioxidant defence stimulation, as expected.

Taken together, the findings support resistin’s role as a non-oxidative stress marker and a metabolic signaling molecule.