Leptin in pediatrics: A hormone from adipocyte that wheels several functions in children

Ashraf T Soliman1, Mohamed Yasin, Ahmed Kassem

  • 1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Clinical Chemistry, Hamad Medical Center (HMC), Doha-Qatar, HMC, Qatar ; College of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.

Insights

Leptin, a key hormone, regulates appetite, energy, and growth. This review explores leptin

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Pediatrics
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Leptin is a pleiotropic hormone crucial for regulating appetite, energy balance, linear growth, pubertal development, cardiovascular function, and immunity.
  • Nutritional status significantly impacts the balance between leptin and other hormones, influencing adaptation processes across multiple organ systems.
  • Understanding leptin's structure, functions, and clinical significance in conditions of altered secretion is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physiological functions and signaling pathways of leptin during childhood and adolescence.
  • To discuss leptin's roles in controlling food intake, energy regulation, growth, puberty, and immunity.
  • To examine leptin's secretion and adaptive roles in various disease states and the application of leptin therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing recent findings on leptin's structure, function, and clinical significance.
  • Analysis of leptin's roles in physiological processes and disease states.
  • Discussion of clinical manifestations and management strategies for leptin-related disorders.

Main Results:

  • Leptin plays a vital role in mediating essential adaptation processes influenced by nutritional status.
  • Leptin influences numerous organ systems, including the brain, liver, and skeletal muscle.
  • Leptin therapy has shown success in managing genetic leptin deficiency and other conditions like lipodystrophy and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions:

  • Leptin is a critical regulator of energy homeostasis, growth, and development, particularly during childhood and adolescence.
  • Dysregulation of leptin is implicated in various diseases, including obesity, malnutrition, and eating disorders.
  • Leptin therapy offers a viable treatment option for specific leptin-deficient states and related metabolic disorders.

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