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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy

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Published on: December 7, 2017

The Ghrelin-LEAP2 System in Obesity and Diabetes: Pathophysiological Roles and Therapeutic Potential.

Isabela Valdés-Calero¹, Gema Frühbeck^2,3,4,5,6, Amaia Rodríguez^7,8,9,10

¹Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Avda. Pío XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.

Current Obesity Reports

|June 11, 2026

Summary

The ghrelin/liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) ratio regulates energy balance and appetite. Changes in this ratio are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, suggesting therapeutic potential.

Keywords:

GHSR Ghrelin LEAP2 Obesity Type 2 diabetes

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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Published on: December 7, 2017

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Published on: May 24, 2018

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood

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Published on: April 28, 2016

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Metabolic Research
Molecular Biology

Background:

Ghrelin, a gut hormone, regulates appetite and metabolism via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR).
Ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) is essential for ghrelin's biological activity.
Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a newly identified GHSR antagonist.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the physiological and pathophysiological roles of ghrelin and LEAP2.
To emphasize the relevance of the ghrelin-LEAP2 system in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on ghrelin, LEAP2, GHSR, and GOAT.
Analysis of emerging evidence linking ghrelin/LEAP2 levels to metabolic disorders.

Main Results:

LEAP2 acts as an endogenous antagonist/inverse agonist of GHSR, opposing ghrelin signaling.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with lower ghrelin and higher LEAP2 levels, especially with insulin resistance.
The ghrelin/LEAP2 ratio dynamically regulates energy balance, glucose homeostasis, and appetite.

Conclusions:

The ghrelin-LEAP2 system is a critical regulator of metabolic homeostasis.
This system presents a promising therapeutic target for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Pharmacological targeting strategies are under investigation but require further efficacy and safety studies.