Nesfatin-1: A Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Digestive Diseases
Adriana-Cezara Damian-Buda,
Daniela Maria Matei,
Lidia Ciobanu,
Dana-Zamfira Damian-Buda,
Raluca Maria Pop,
Anca Dana Buzoianu,
Ioana Corina Bocsan
Affiliations
Adriana-Cezara Damian-Buda
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Daniela Maria Matei
Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Lidia Ciobanu
Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Dana-Zamfira Damian-Buda
Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Raluca Maria Pop
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Anca Dana Buzoianu
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ioana Corina Bocsan
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Morphofunctional Sciences, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Victor Babeș, No 8, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Nesfatin-1, deriving from a precursor protein, NUCB2, is a newly discovered molecule with anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anorexigenic effects. It was initially identified in the central nervous system (CNS) and received increasing interest due to its energy-regulating properties. However, research showed that nesfatin-1 is also expressed in peripheral tissues, including the digestive system. The aim of this review is to give a résumé of the present state of knowledge regarding its structure, immunolocalization, and potential implications in diseases with inflammatory components. The main objective was to focus on its clinical importance as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic molecule in a variety of disorders, among which digestive disorders were of particular interest. Previous studies have shown that nesfatin-1 regulates the balance between pro- and antioxidant agents, which makes nesfatin-1 a promising therapeutic agent. Further in-depth research regarding the underlying mechanisms of action is needed for a better understanding of its effects.
