The association between depression and leptin is mediated by adiposity
Alanna A Morris1, Yusuf Ahmed, Neli Stoyanova
1Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. aamorr3@emory.edu
Psychosomatic Medicine
|May 15, 2012
Summary
Higher leptin levels in depression are linked to increased body fat, not depression itself. This suggests obesity, a common factor in depression, influences leptin levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Animal models suggest a link between leptin dysregulation and depression.
- Obesity, prevalent in depression, increases leptin production, potentially mediating this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between depression severity and leptin levels in a human cohort.
- To determine if obesity mediates the relationship between depression and leptin.
Main Methods:
- The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was administered to 537 participants.
- Leptin levels and body mass index (BMI) were measured and analyzed.
- Multivariate regression models adjusted for various health factors.
Main Results:
- Individuals with moderate to severe depression exhibited significantly higher leptin levels and BMI compared to those with mild or no depression.
- The BDI-II score predicted leptin levels after multivariate adjustment.
- However, adjusting for BMI or waist circumference eliminated this association.
Conclusions:
- The association between depression and leptin levels appears to be mediated by increased adiposity.
- Findings suggest that obesity, rather than depression directly, influences leptin levels in this population.
More Related Videos
05:45Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing
Published on: October 25, 2019
10:40Characterization of Adipocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Secretion Using a CD63-GFP Reporter Mouse Model In Vivo and In Vitro
Published on: December 5, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
01:18Depression: Overview
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...