Visfatin, a protein previously known as Pre B-Cell Enhancing Factor (PBEF), is secreted by lymphocytes. Recent discoveries suggest that this protein is secreted by the adipose tissue as well. Although the role of visfatin is still largely unknown, it does appear to have insulin mimetic properties, binding to the insulin receptor and stimulating glucose uptake. This study investigates the effect of gastric bypass surgery on Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by measuring visfatin levels in adipose tissue. Adipose tissue samples of 30 patients were homogenized, and RNA and protein were extracted. Extracted RNA was subjected to real time PCR to determine visfatin gene expression. Data show increased visfatin levels in the omentum as compared to the subcutaneous tissue of obese Type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients. In the normal controls and post-gastric bypass patients, visfatin levels were decreased in the omentum tissue as compared to the subcutaneous tissue. It cannot be determined at this time whether weight loss, caused by gastric bypass surgery, eliminates T2DM and therefore reduces CVD risk.

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