Visfatin, Obesity, and Physical Activity: A Key Regulator of Metabolismand Inflammation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5530/ajphs.2025.15.82Keywords:
Exercise, Visfatin, Adipokines, Energy homeostasis, Metabolic syndrome, InflammationAbstract
Visfatin, an adipocytokine implicated in metabolic and inflammatory regulation, has garnered attention for its potential role in obesity related disorders, insulin resistance, and liver disease. This review synthesizes current human and animal studies examining the effects of physical activity, dietary interventions, and combined strategies on circulating visfatin levels. Evidence suggests that exercise intensity, duration, and modality, especially when paired with anti-inflammatory supplements such as ginger, omega-3, or thylakoids, can significantly modulate visfatin, particularly in metabolically compromised populations. While aerobic and combined exercise protocols are generally more effective than low-intensity or resistance-only programs, responses vary by age, sex, hormonal status, and comorbidities. Additionally, findings from case-control studies in NAFLD and mechanistic insights from animal models highlight visfatin’s complex, context-dependent behavior. The review underscores the need for individualized, integrative interventions and further research to elucidate visfatin’s role as a biomarker and therapeutic target in metabolic health.
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