A molecular overview of leptin in several pathological conditions

Abstract

Leptin is a 16 kDa peptide hormone that is the product of LEP (also known as OB) gene. The Leptin gene is primarily expressed in white adipocytes. Although the leptin hormone is mainly associated with the regulation of body weight and energy expenditure via hypothalamic leptin receptors, it has a diverse range of effects on different physiological functions such as inflammatory responses, hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, reproduction, bone formation, and wound healing. Besides having pleiotropic effects on metabolism, dysfunction of the leptin gene family and its cognate receptor, leptin receptor (LR), may result in pathological conditions for several diseases including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, infertility, and inflammation. Pathophysiological manifestations of these diseases indicate the important role of leptin signaling. In the present chapter, we reviewed variations in gene expressions of the leptin gene family and LR, along with the role of leptin in insulin resistance, immunotherapy, tumor progression, and inflammation. In this concept, the chapter covers molecular overview for selected diseases, leptin sensitivity at the cellular level, and epigenetic regulations involving the expression of the leptin gene. Finally, the potential of leptin was discussed as a candidate biomarker and a new immunotherapy approach for the treatment. Our objective provides a comprehensive review on the importance of leptin during different pathological conditions. © 2024 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.