The Role of Visfatin in Pregnancy, Complications and Procreation

Adipose tissue is considered an endocrine organ secreting numerous neuroendocrine and peripheral peptides, also known as "adipokines." Although, the role of adipokines, precisely visfatin, is still controversial, it was recently discovered their involvement in different mechanisms, including metabolism, inflammation, and endocrine-immunologic system. A literature search of electronic databases was undertaken for the major studies published from 1957 to present. The databases searched were: PubMed, EMBASE, Orphanet, Midline, and Cochrane Library. This review aims to emphasize the molecular and endocrine mechanisms of visfatin and its role in fetal development. This review also reviews the role of adipocytokine in the pathogenesis of inflammatory-endocrine disorders. Further research will bring new insight into linkage between visfatin and humans, during pregnancy and perinatal period.