Visfatin: an adipokine that plays a crucial role in increasing the risk of cancer

Obesity is an important public health problem worldwide. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that obesity is associated with an increased risk of several cancer types. Also, obesity is associated with an increase in cancer mortality. Biological mechanisms and the relationship between obesity and cancer are complex and not well understood. Studies on the role of adiposederived factors in cancer development may be the mechanistic link between obesity and cancer risks. Visfatin or pre-B cell enhancing factor (PBEF) or nicotin-amide-phosphoribosyl-transferase (Nampt) is an important hormone protein that is mainly produced by adipose tissue, and has three major functions: growth factor, cytokine, and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, therefore, increasing of visfatin has several effects. Recently, studies have shown that over-expression of visfatin is important in the carcinogenesis of several types of cancers. This review aimed to summarize findings from both experimental and epidemiological studies investigating the association between visfatin levels and cancer risk.