Vaspin (Visceral Adipose-Specific SERPIN) is a newly described adipokine. Vaspin has three beta-sheets, nine alpha-helices, and one central loop, the structure is part of the set of distinctive features that are descriptive of Serpin family members. Vaspin is also a unique insulin sensitizing adipocytokine in obesity. A recent publication indicates that Vaspin mRNA expression in visceral fat is positively correlated with BMI and percent of body fat. and could be associated with parameters of obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism. These findings suggest a potential clinical use for Vaspin in ameliorating certain aberrations seen in the obesity metabolic syndrome.
