Abstract: The invention relates to novel nucleic acids encoding a mammalian resistin gene, and proteins encoded thereby, whose expression is suppressed by the antidiabetic compounds thiazolidinediones. The invention further relates to methods of treating and detecting type 2 diabetes and Syndrome X comprising modulating or detecting resistin expression and/or production and activity of resistin polypeptide.

Abstract: The risk or progression of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease is assessed in a mammalian subject by measuring the level or concentration of circulating serum resistin in a subject and comparing the measured level to resistin levels within a standardized or standard population. Methods of treating cardiovascular diseases and/or inflammatory disorders involve administering to a patient a composition that can reduce the circulating levels of resistin.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel nucleic acids encoding a mammalian resistin-like molecule (RELM), and proteins encoded thereby, whose expression is increased in certain diseases, disorders, or conditions, including, but not limited to, intestinal (e.g., colonic) tumors. The invention further relates to methods of treating and detecting irritable bowel disease, inflammatory bowel disease, familial adenomatous polyposis, diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, Syndrome X, and glucose metabolism disorders, colon cancer, breast cancer, and tongue cancer, comprising modulating or detecting RELM expression and/or production and activity of RELM polypeptide, wherein RELM encompasses resistin-like molecule ? and resistin-like molecule ?.