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Visfatin and its role in obesity development
Jiri Stastny1, Julie Bienertova-Vasku, Anna Vasku
1Department of Pathological Physiology, Masaryk University, Czech Republic. opravdu.stastny@seznam.cz
Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome
|November 17, 2012
Summary
Visfatin, an adipocytokine, exhibits insulin-mimetic activity and is linked to obesity. This review details its metabolic effects in humans, focusing on obesity-related pathways.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Adipokine signaling
- Obesity studies
Background:
- Visfatin, a product of the PBEF gene, is an adipocytokine with significant insulin-mimetic properties.
- Previous research has established a correlation between visfatin and obesity.
- Emerging evidence highlights visfatin's intracellular roles due to its homology with nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the documented metabolic effects of visfatin in humans.
- To emphasize the specific pathways through which visfatin influences obesity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on visfatin and human metabolism.
- Analysis of research focusing on visfatin's role in obesity-related pathways.
Main Results:
- Visfatin demonstrates potent insulin-mimetic activity.
- Visfatin is associated with obesity and plays a role in metabolic regulation.
- Intracellular functions of visfatin, related to NAMPT, are significant.
Conclusions:
- Visfatin is a key adipocytokine influencing human metabolism.
- Understanding visfatin's pathways is crucial for addressing obesity.
- Further research into visfatin's intracellular actions is warranted.
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