The role of leptin as a biochemical marker in health and disease

Abstract

Leptin is a hormone primarily produced by adipose tissue (fat cells) and is critical in regulating energy balance and metabolism (Martinez-Sanchez 2020; Abella et al. 2017). It functions as a satiety signal, which means it tells your brain when you've had enough to eat and helps regulate your appetite (Gioldasi et al. 2019). In addition, leptin affects the immune system, controls reproduction, and reduces inflammation (Francisco et al. 2018; Maurya et al. 2018). In healthy individuals, leptin levels rise after eating, which helps to decrease appetite and increase energy expenditure. In people who are overweight or obese, however, leptin levels are often high, but their brains do not respond appropriately to the signal (Martinez-Sanchez 2020; Akeel Al-hussaniy, Hikmate Alburghaif, and Akeel Naji 2021). This condition is known as leptin resistance, and it can contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders. Leptin deficiency is another condition that can lead to obesity and other health problems. People with congenital leptin deficiency have very low levels of leptin from birth, which leads to uncontrolled appetite and severe obesity. Treatment with synthetic leptin is effective in reducing appetite and promoting weight loss in these individuals (Yupanqui-Lozno et al. 2019). Leptin receptors are found on immune cells, and the hormone has been shown to influence the production and activity of inflammatory cytokines. Elevated leptin levels have been linked to rheumatoid arthritis and an increased risk of chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. Overall, leptin is a critical hormone that plays a central role in regulating energy balance, metabolism, and immune function. Research on the function of leptin in health and sickness is ongoing, and future findings may result in new treatments for various conditions (Abella et al. 2017; Cojocaru et al. 2013; Martinez-Sanchez 2020). © 2024 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.