Visfatin in the immunopathogenesis of liver disease

Aims: Adipose tissue is no longer considered to be an inert tissue functioning solely as energy storage but is emerging as a key factor in the regulation of many pathologic processes especially immune functions. Adipocytokines – adipocyte-derived mediators – such as leptin and adiponectin are involved in liver inflammation. In the present study we focused on the role of the recently described adipocytokine visfatin in the immunopathogenesis of liver disease. Methods: In vitro, visfatin regulation under inflammatory conditions was determined in the human HepG2 hepatoma cell line. Human serum samples of patients w…