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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
08:34
Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
[Leptin: from gene to energy balance]
Arnaud Basdevant1, Cécile Ciangura
1Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMRS Inserm 755, Paris, F-75006 France. arnaud.basdevant@htd.aphp.fr
Bulletin De L'Academie Nationale De Medecine
|January 30, 2008
Summary
Leptin, a key hormone for energy balance, regulates fat stores and influences metabolism, reproduction, bone health, and immunity. While complete deficiency is rare, its resistance in obesity limits therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic regulation
- Hormonal signaling
Context:
- Energy homeostasis is a complex process influenced by biological, behavioral, and environmental factors.
- Leptin, a cytokine secreted by adipocytes, is crucial for regulating energy balance and informing the brain about fat stores.
- Dysregulation of leptin signaling is implicated in metabolic disorders.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of leptin in energy homeostasis.
- To explore the implications of leptin deficiency and resistance in metabolic health.
- To review the current limitations of leptin-based therapeutics.
Summary:
- Leptin plays a central role in maintaining energy balance by signaling energy stores to the brain and influencing peripheral metabolism.
- While complete leptin deficiency is rare, partial deficiency and leptin resistance (hyperleptinemia) are more common, particularly in obesity.
- Leptin's functions extend beyond energy metabolism to reproduction, bone metabolism, and immunity.
Impact:
- Understanding leptin's complex roles is vital for addressing obesity and related metabolic diseases.
- Identifying the mechanisms of leptin resistance could pave the way for more effective obesity treatments.
- Further research into leptin's diverse functions may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
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