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Visfatin/PBEF/Nampt: A New Cardiovascular Target?
Concepción Peiró1, Tania Romacho, Raffaele Carraro
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid, Spain.
Visfatin (also known as PBEF/Nampt) is a novel adipocytokine. While initially thought beneficial for metabolic disorders, research now suggests it’s a biomarker of inflammation and endothelial damage, with complex roles in cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Metabolic Syndrome Research
Background:
- Adipocytokines are increasingly studied for their role in cardio-metabolic diseases.
- Visfatin/PBEF/Nampt, identified as a novel adipocytokine, has garnered attention due to its dualistic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving understanding of visfatin/PBEF/Nampt's role in cardio-metabolic complications.
- To explore its potential as both a detrimental factor and a therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on visfatin/PBEF/Nampt.
- Analysis of its reported functions in metabolic and cardiovascular contexts.
Main Results:
- Initial claims of insulin-mimetic properties contrasted with emerging evidence of inflammatory and endothelial damage roles.
- Visfatin/PBEF/Nampt modulates cardiovascular functions including cell survival, extracellular matrix, and vascular reactivity.
- Demonstrated beneficial effects in ischemic conditions, alongside potential for therapeutic blockade.
Conclusions:
- Visfatin/PBEF/Nampt acts as a biomarker for inflammation and endothelial damage.
- Its dual role necessitates further investigation for its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases and angiogenesis-related pathologies.
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