Resistin, a cysteine-rich peptide hormone derived from fat, is encoded by the RETN gene in humans. In primates, pigs and dogs, Resistin is secreted by immune cells and epithelial cells. In rodents, on the other hand, it is secreted by adipose tissue. The pre-peptide of human Resistin is 108 amino acid residues in length, compared to 114 amino acid residues in mice and rats, and has a molecular weight of approximately 12.5 kDa. Resistin accelerates the accumulation of LDL in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. It adversely affects the effects of statin drugs, which are primarily cholesterol-lowering drugs used to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have found that Resistin is also involved in the inflammatory response; Resistin does function as a pro-inflammatory cytokine and can act as an important node in inflammatory diseases.Resistin is an adipose-derived hormone (similar to a cytokine), and its involvement in the physiology of obesity and type II diabetes has been the subject of much controversy.