Objective:To investigate the effects of visfatin on the proliferation and invasion of human cholangiocarcinoma QBC939 cells, and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods: QBC939 cells were cultured and treated with visfatin at different concentrations of 25,50,100 and 200 ng/ml for 6,12, and 24 h. QBC939 cells without visfatin treatment were used as control group. The proliferation rate of the QBC939 cells was measured by MTT assay. Transwell chamber assay was performed to determine the effect of visfatin 200 ng/ml on the invasion capability of QBC939 cells for 24 h later, and Western blot was used to observe MMP-2 protein expression. Results: The results showed that visfatin could significantly improve growth and proliferation of QBC939 cells. The effect is in a dose and time-depended by MTT method(P < 0.01). The invasion capability of QBC939 cell was significantly increased after visfatin 200 ng/ml treatment for 24 h(P < 0.01). The expression of MMP-2 was increased in QBC939 cells treated with visfatin. Conclusion: Visfatin significantly increases the proliferation and invasion capabilities of QBC939 cells in vitro. The possible mechanism may be related with up regulation of MMP-2 level.