Serum amyloid A, insulin resistance and diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Studies have suggested that insulin resistance and diabetic nephropathy are processes of chronic nonspecfic inflammation. Serum amyloid protein A (SAA), as an acute phase protein, can stimulate a variety of immune living cells to secrete a large number of inflammatory cytokines which can mediate inflammatory response. SAA induces monocyte cells to express chemokines, and is also involved in the recruitment of monocytes macrophages and T cells into the pathological sites. The immune reaction and inflammation may further promote the development of insulin resistance and diabetic nephropathy. Key words: Serum amyloid A; Insulin resistance; Diabetic nephropathy