Resistin expression study used to develop a simplified mouse model of adipokine expression

High fat diets can impact the expression of bioactive peptide signaling molecules known as adipokines. Adipocyte cells synthesize adipokines and these molecules regulate energy metabolism, neuroendocrine function and immune function. One particular adipokine is the 12 kDa protein, resistin. Resistin was originally identified in a study that concluded that mice heterozygous for a null PPARγ allele exhibit adipocyte hypertrophy on a high fat diet and have an increased sensitivity to insulin. Additional research has shown resistin was linked to increased insulin resistance; however, the specific mechanism responsible for the change in insulin sensitivity has not yet been established. The goal of this research project is to provide a simplified and comprehensive model system for understanding adipokine expression by analyzing the expression of resistin using western blot analysis. Developing a simplified model framework will allow for subsequent investigations into adipokine expression that exhibit a clear understanding of the impact of excess adipose tissue on adipokine expression. The mice have been fed a high fat diet over a period of three weeks and the epididymal fat pads have been removed. western blot analysis will be utilized to compare resistin expression in the fat obtained from the low and high fat fed mice.