Fetuin-A (alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein,AHSG),a liver borne plasma protein,contributes to the prevention of soft tissue calcification,modulates inflammation,reduces insulin sensitivity and fosters weight gain following high fat diet or ageing. It is involved in several functions,such as endocytosis,brain development and the formation of bone tissue. The protein is commonly present in the cortical plate of the immature cerebral cortex and bone marrow hemopoietic matrix,and it has therefore been postulated that it participates in the development of the tissues.