Nesfatin-1: Pleiotropic hormone

Abstract

Nesfatin-1 was first identified in 2006 as an anorexigenic peptide involved in appetite regulation. It is expressed both in the central nervous system and in the peripheral tissues. The anatomical location of neurons expressing nesfatin-1 and its co-occurrence with other neurotransmitters in the CNS indicate that its physiological role involves not only the regulation of food intake, but also neuroendocrine regulation and autonomic control of internal organs and behavioral responses. It affects the functions of the digestive tract and the cardiovascular system and plays an important role in the regulation of water intake, sleep, and reproductive functions. It plays an important role in the mechanism of metabolic control of the body, regulation of energy balance and body temperature, and development of obesity. Nevertheless, both the main source of nesfatin-1 in the circulation and the exact mechanisms of its functioning are not fully understood. Considering the pleiotropic effect of nesfatin-1, the relationship between the degree of body fatness and the risk of various diseases and the increase in the expression of nesfatin-1 in adipocytes with the development of obesity, it can be assumed that in the near future it will be taken into account as an important factor in the development, and perhaps treatment, of various diseases.