In 2000, the novel adipokine vaspin, which belongs to the superfamily of serpins, was isolated from visceral adipose tissue. Vaspin is mainly produced in the visceral adipose tissue and is related to insulin resistance, blood glucose levels, sex hormones (women have higher levels compared to men) and nutritional status. Moreover, vaspin levels are modulated by weight loss and several agents, and it possibly constitutes a connecting link between obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Many patients with polycystic ovary syndrome have insulin resistance, obesity (mostly visceral) and glucose intolerance, conditions associated with abnormalities in the production of vaspin. The role of vaspin in the regulation of human metabolism is unclear at present, but it appears that vaspin might represent a novel marker of obesity and insulin resistance. However, the controversial findings of existing studies on vaspin stress the need for further research in women with obesity and metabolic disorders in order to elucidate the role of this adipokine in these diseases and particularly in the polycystic ovary syndrome
