Leptin and body weight regulation

Abstract

The discovery of leptin, besides causing a revolution in physiological knowledge about the regulation of body weight, awakes an interest in fat tissue as an endocrine organ and its active contribution to the establishment of energy deposits. Leptin, principally secreted by the adipocytes, interacts with hypothalamic receptors, and is capable of activating diverse neuroendocrinal routes responsible for controlling the balance between energy intake and expenditure. Like other cytokines, leptin is also able to play a role in the complex regulation of diverse metabolic aspects. Since the discovery that the placenta, gastric mucous or the star-shaped cells of the liver (Kupffer cells), are places that produce leptin, a great range of functions have been attributed to this hormone; since it appears to favour foetal development and can act as a factor of satiety in the stomach or participate in the afferent signals mediated by the vagus. Besides, leptin participates es in the immune and inflammatory responses, in reproduction, in processes related to angiogenesis, control of arterial pressure, lipolysis, etc. This paper reviews the role of leptin in the regulation of body weight, as well as different aspects related to obesity.