Insulin resistance is a common finding in
hypertensive humans and animal models. The
Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat is an ideal model of
genetically predetermined insulin resistance
and salt-sensitive hypertension. Along the
insulin signaling pathway, the insulin receptor
substrates 1 and 2 (IRS-1 and -2) are important
mediators of insulin signaling. IRS-1
and/or IRS-2 genetic variant(s) and/or
enhanced serine phosphorylation correlate
with insulin resistance. The present commentary
was designed to highlight the significance
of IRS-1 and/or -2 in the pathogenesis of
insulin resistance. An emphasis will be given
to the putative role of IRS-1 and/or -2 genetic
variant(s) and serine phosphorylation in precipitating
insulin resistance.