Is there a role for leptin in human reproduction?

Leptin is a protein product from the obesity gene (ob gene). It has been shown that leptin significantly correlates with body mass index in humans. In contrast to the obesity of genetically obese (ob/ob) mice, human obesity is not generally caused by gene mutations. It is possible that human obesity results from central leptin resistance. Leptin can serve as a metabolic cue in the neuronal activation of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) at the end of the prepubertal period. The concentration of leptin is higher in pubertal girls than pubertal boys, and it is supposed that sexual dimorphism might be established in the prepubertal period or even in earlier developmental phases. This dimorphism could be explained by a suppressive action of androgens on leptin. Decreased leptin levels were found in undernourished women of reproductive age, mainly presenting with oligo- or amenorrhea. Leptin concentrations fluctuate according to the phase of the menstrual cycle. It is suggested that the complex relationship of leptin with other hormones, such as insulin, can have etiopathogenetic importance in some enigmatic reproductive disturbances such as the polycystic ovary syndrome. Recent findings of leptin in non-adipose tissue of the placenta could indicate its potential role in developmental physiology and human reproduction.