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Leptin.

R S Ahima¹, J S Flier

¹Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.

Annual Review of Physiology

|June 9, 2000

Summary

Leptin, a hormone from fat tissue, regulates feeding and energy balance. While initially seen as an anti-obesity hormone, its primary role may be adapting to fasting, with broader systemic effects.

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Neuroscience
Metabolism

Background:

The discovery of leptin, a hormone produced by adipose tissue, has spurred significant research into how peripheral signals interact with brain targets to regulate feeding and energy balance.
Plasma leptin levels reflect fat stores and energy balance, leading to its initial proposal as a key anti-obesity hormone.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the multifaceted roles of leptin beyond its proposed function in obesity.
To investigate leptin's potential primary evolutionary role in adaptation to fasting.
To examine the systemic effects of leptin on neuroendocrine and immune functions, and development.

Main Methods:

Correlational analysis of plasma leptin levels with body fat and energy balance.
Review of existing literature on leptin's function in feeding regulation and fasting adaptation.
Examination of evidence for leptin's non-homeostatic systemic effects.

Main Results:

Leptin levels correlate with fat stores and energy balance.
Leptin resistance can impede its anti-obesity effects.
Evidence suggests leptin's primary role may be mediating adaptation to fasting.
Leptin influences neuroendocrine and immune systems and plays a role in development.

Conclusions:

Leptin's role in energy homeostasis is complex and potentially secondary to its function in fasting adaptation.
Leptin exerts significant systemic effects beyond energy balance, impacting various physiological processes.
Further research is warranted to fully elucidate leptin's diverse physiological functions.

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