Abstract:

Visfatin is a newly identified adipocytokine produced by visceral fat tissue. This protein plays an important role in adipose accumulation and may regulate the insulin sensitivity of many peripheral organs. During pregnancy, the variation of fat distribution and the existence of fetal appendage may affect visfatin production, which may be involved in physiological insulin-resistance and the start of labor. Abnormal secretion of visfatin is associated with fetal growth retardation, hypertensive and diabetic diseases during pregnancy. The detection of visfatin in pregnant women and its practical role in high risk pregnancy should be further studied.

Key words: Visfatin, Pregnancy, Insulin-resistence