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Published on: August 4, 2023
Leptin: a mysterious hormone; its physiology and pathophysiology
Asma Akther1, Kamrul Hasan Khan, Masuda Begum
1Department of Physiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. tamimasmaki@yahoo.com
Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ
|May 14, 2009
Summary
Leptin, a hormone from fat cells, regulates body fat and food intake. Its role in metabolism and potential as an anti-obesity drug are key research areas.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolism
- Genetics
Background:
- Leptin is an adipocyte-derived protein hormone discovered in 1994.
- The human leptin gene is located on chromosome 7.
- Leptin is primarily expressed in adipose tissue but also found in skeletal muscle, stomach, placenta, and mammary glands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge of leptin biology.
- To explore the role of leptin in physiological and pathophysiological states.
- To highlight leptin's potential as an antiobesity therapeutic agent.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of leptin biology.
- Analysis of leptin's function in energy balance and adiposity.
- Examination of leptin's involvement in immune and endocrine systems.
Main Results:
- Leptin plays a key role in regulating food intake, energy balance, and adiposity.
- It functions as a feedback loop to maintain constant body fat stores.
- Leptin acts as an antiobesity hormone, indicating potential therapeutic applications.
Conclusions:
- Leptin is crucial for maintaining metabolic homeostasis.
- Leptin or its analogues may offer novel therapeutic strategies for obesity and related disorders.
- Further research into leptin biology is warranted for developing effective treatments.
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