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Abstract
The role of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis is complex. Several reports support a role for NAMPT in atherogenesis. NAMPT is increased in atheroscleroticrelated diseases, such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. NAMPT seems to include proatherogenic (e.g., enhancing effects on inflammation and matrix degradation) as well as antiatherogenic (e.g., antiapoptotic effects on monocytes/macrophages) effects. Recent studies suggest that NAMPT could also mediate atheroprotective effects on lipid metabolism. This includes inhibition of lipid accumulation in macrophages, mobilization of lipids from adipose tissue and beneficial effects on lipoprotein metabolism, involving SIRT1 and FoxO. It is particularly, challenging that extracellular and intracellular NAMPT may have different or even opposite effects. Further studies are needed to clarify if NAMPT could be a missing link in atherogenesis, connecting inflammation and dysregulated lipid metabolism – the two hallmarks of atherosclerosis.