CRP and acanthosis nigricans: To test this hypothesis, we have exploited the human skin because of its ability to exhibit both insulin resistance, (evidenced by the presence of acanthosis nigricans, AN) [15] and glucocorticoid resistance (evidenced by a failed skin vasoconstrictor (SVC) response to topically applied glucocorticoid) [16] and further explored the relationship of these skin markers to inflammation as measured by highly sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP).