VISFATIN AS A PHYSIOLOGICAL MODULATOR AND ITS BIOCHEMICAL ROLE IN THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A CURRENT PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Visfatin is a multifaceted novel adipokine which was initially identified as Pre-B cell Colony Enhancing Factor (PBEF).It functions as a pro-inflammatory cytokine and a key enzyme in the Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) salvage pathway and hence it’s also known as Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase(NAMPT). It operates both intracellularly (iNAMPT) to regulate NAD+ biosynthesis where its inhibition yields anti-inflammatory and anti cancer effects and extracellularly (eNAMPT) in the circulation .Recent studies have highlighted the connecting link between PBEF and the pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This review explores visfatin's diverse roles as iNAMPT, eNAMPT, an adipocytokine, and a metabolic regulator, while focusing on its mechanisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus considering its increasing global prevalence. Additionally, future implications as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention, treatment and management of T2DM will also be discussed.