Wingless-type inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1) adipokine and glucose homeostasis.

Whilst the growing global prevalence of diabetes mellitus is a major healthcare problem, the exact pathophysiology of insulin resistance leading to diabetes mellitus remains unclear. Studies have confirmed that increased adiposity is linked to lower insulin sensitivity through the expression and release of adipocyte-derived proteins such as adipokines. Wingless-type (Wnt) inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1) is a newly identified adipokine that has important roles in many molecular pathways and cellular events, with the suggestion that WISP1 adipokine is closely correlated to the progression of insulin resistance. Studies have shown that circulatory levels of WISP adipokine are higher in obese patients accompanied with increased insulin resistance. However, the exact role of WISP1 adipokine in the induction of insulin resistance is not completely understood. In this review, we detail the latest evidence showing that the WIPS1 adipokine impairs glucose homeostasis and induces diabetes mellitus.