Annals
Established in 1927 by the American College of Physicians
:
Advanced search
box Article
 arrow  Table of Contents                
space
 arrow  Full Text of this article
space
 arrow  PDF of this article
(PDFs free after 6 months)
space
 arrow  Figures/Tables List
space
box Services
 arrow  Send comment/rapid response letter
space
 arrow  Notify a friend about this article
space
 arrow  Alert me when this article is cited
space
 arrow  Add to Personal Archive
space
 arrow  Download to Citation Manager
space
 arrow  ACP Search                        
space
 arrow  Get Permissions
space
box Google Scholar
 arrow  Search for Related Content
space
box PubMed
Articles in PubMed by Author:
  arrow  Mantzoros, C. S.
space
 arrow  Related Articles in PubMed
space
 arrow  PubMed Citation
space
 arrow  PubMed
space

REVIEW

The Role of Leptin in Human Obesity and Disease: A Review of Current Evidence

right arrow Christos S. Mantzoros, MD, DSc

20 April 1999 | Volume 130 Issue 8 | Pages 671-680

Purpose: To review recent advances in the pathophysiology and potential clinical applications of leptin, an adipose tissue-derived hormone.

Data Sources: A MEDLINE search of the literature on leptin and the bibliographies of relevant papers.

Study Selection: All 1320 publications on leptin.

Data Extraction: All identified articles were reviewed. Cited publications were selected on the basis of study quality and relevance to human obesity and disease.

Data Synthesis: Leptin is a 16-kilodalton adipocyte-derived hormone that circulates in the serum in the free and bound form. Serum levels of leptin reflect the amount of energy stored in adipose tissue. Short-term energy imbalance as well as serum levels of several cytokines and hormones influence circulating leptin levels. Leptin acts by binding to specific receptors in the hypothalamus to alter the expression of several neuropeptides that regulate neuroendocrine function and energy intake and expenditure. Thus, leptin plays an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity and eating disorders and is thought to mediate the neuroendocrine response to food deprivation. Phase I and II trials recently showed that leptin administration to humans is safe, and ongoing phase III trials are assessing the efficacy of leptin as a treatment for obesity and related disorders. Availability of leptin or smaller and more soluble leptin analogues for clinical studies in humans is expected to significantly advance understanding of the mechanisms underlying energy homeostasis in humans.

Conclusions: Leptin is significantly broadening our understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuroendocrine function, body weight, and energy homeostasis. Elucidation of these mechanisms is expected to result in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for obesity and eating disorders.

Author and Article Information
space

From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Grant Support: By the Clinical Associate Physician Award (National Institutes of Health and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center), the Hershey Family and the Junior Investigator Award (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School), and the Boston Obesity Nutrition Research Center Award (P30 DK 46200).

Requests for Reprints: Christos S. Mantzoros, MD, DSc, Division of Endocrinology, RN 325, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; e-mail, cmantzor{at}bidmc.harvard.edu.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Clin. Chem.Home page
C. Chiesa, J. F. Osborn, C. Haass, F. Natale, M. Spinelli, E. Scapillati, A. Spinelli, and L. Pacifico
Ghrelin, Leptin, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and Insulin Concentrations at Birth: Is There a Relationship with Fetal Growth and Neonatal Anthropometry?
Clin. Chem., March 1, 2008; 54(3): 550 - 558.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev.Home page
V. M. Chia, P. A. Newcomb, J. W. Lampe, E. White, M. T. Mandelson, A. McTiernan, and J. D. Potter
Leptin Concentrations, Leptin Receptor Polymorphisms, and Colorectal Adenoma Risk
Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., December 1, 2007; 16(12): 2697 - 2703.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EndocrinolHome page
D Kapoor, S Clarke, R Stanworth, K S Channer, and T H Jones
The effect of testosterone replacement therapy on adipocytokines and C-reactive protein in hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes
Eur. J. Endocrinol., May 1, 2007; 156(5): 595 - 602.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Physiol. GenomicsHome page
R. M. Salek, M. L. Maguire, E. Bentley, D. V. Rubtsov, T. Hough, M. Cheeseman, D. Nunez, B. C. Sweatman, J. N. Haselden, R. D. Cox, et al.
A metabolomic comparison of urinary changes in type 2 diabetes in mouse, rat, and human
Physiol Genomics, April 24, 2007; 29(2): 99 - 108.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol.Home page
S. Amemori, A. Ootani, S. Aoki, T. Fujise, R. Shimoda, T. Kakimoto, R. Shiraishi, Y. Sakata, S. Tsunada, R. Iwakiri, et al.
Adipocytes and preadipocytes promote the proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro
Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, March 1, 2007; 292(3): G923 - G929.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EndocrinolHome page
V. Nobili, M. Manco, P. Ciampalini, V. Diciommo, R. Devito, F. Piemonte, D. Comparcola, R. Guidi, and M. Marcellini
Leptin, free leptin index, insulin resistance and liver fibrosis in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Eur. J. Endocrinol., November 1, 2006; 155(5): 735 - 743.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
T. Weinbrenner, H. Schroder, V. Escurriol, M. Fito, R. Elosua, J. Vila, J. Marrugat, and M.-I. Covas
Circulating oxidized LDL is associated with increased waist circumference independent of body mass index in men and women
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, January 1, 2006; 83(1): 30 - 35.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ChestHome page
C. W. Atwood
Sleep-Related Hypoventilation: The Evolving Role of Leptin
Chest, September 1, 2005; 128(3): 1079 - 1081.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
M. Misra, K. K. Miller, K. Kuo, K. Griffin, V. Stewart, E. Hunter, D. B. Herzog, and A. Klibanski
Secretory dynamics of ghrelin in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa and healthy adolescents
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, August 1, 2005; 289(2): E347 - E356.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EndocrinolHome page
E Carmina, F Orio, S Palomba, T Cascella, R A Longo, A M Colao, G Lombardi, and R A Lobo
Evidence for altered adipocyte function in polycystic ovary syndrome
Eur. J. Endocrinol., March 1, 2005; 152(3): 389 - 394.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
JCOHome page
J. A. Ross, K. C. Oeffinger, S. M. Davies, A. C. Mertens, E. K. Langer, W. R. Kiffmeyer, C. A. Sklar, M. Stovall, Y. Yasui, and L. L. Robison
Genetic Variation in the Leptin Receptor Gene and Obesity in Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
J. Clin. Oncol., September 1, 2004; 22(17): 3558 - 3562.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
DiabetesHome page
E. Suganami, H. Takagi, H. Ohashi, K. Suzuma, I. Suzuma, H. Oh, D. Watanabe, T. Ojima, T. Suganami, Y. Fujio, et al.
Leptin Stimulates Ischemia-Induced Retinal Neovascularization: Possible Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expressed in Retinal Endothelial Cells
Diabetes, September 1, 2004; 53(9): 2443 - 2448.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol.Home page
L. Ottonello, P. Gnerre, M. Bertolotto, M. Mancini, P. Dapino, R. Russo, G. Garibotto, T. Barreca, and F. Dallegri
Leptin as a Uremic Toxin Interferes with Neutrophil Chemotaxis
J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., September 1, 2004; 15(9): 2366 - 2372.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Nutr.Home page
S. Bluher and C. S. Mantzoros
The Role of Leptin in Regulating Neuroendocrine Function in Humans
J. Nutr., September 1, 2004; 134(9): 2469S - 2474S.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
M. Misra, K. K. Miller, C. Almazan, K. Ramaswamy, A. Aggarwal, D. B. Herzog, G. Neubauer, J. Breu, and A. Klibanski
Hormonal and Body Composition Predictors of Soluble Leptin Receptor, Leptin, and Free Leptin Index in Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa and Controls and Relation to Insulin Sensitivity
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., July 1, 2004; 89(7): 3486 - 3495.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
GutHome page
P G Kopelman and C Grace
New thoughts on managing obesity
Gut, July 1, 2004; 53(7): 1044 - 1053.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
S. L. Wong, A. M. DePaoli, J. H. Lee, and C. S. Mantzoros
Leptin Hormonal Kinetics in the Fed State: Effects of Adiposity, Age, and Gender on Endogenous Leptin Production and Clearance Rates
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2004; 89(6): 2672 - 2677.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
DiabetesHome page
T. A. Lakka, T. Rankinen, S. J. Weisnagel, Y. C. Chagnon, H.-M. Lakka, O. Ukkola, N. Boule, T. Rice, A. S. Leon, J. S. Skinner, et al.
Leptin and Leptin Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Changes in Glucose Homeostasis in Response to Regular Exercise in Nondiabetic Individuals: The HERITAGE Family Study
Diabetes, June 1, 2004; 53(6): 1603 - 1608.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ChestHome page
R. I. Cohen, K. Marzouk, P. Berkoski, C. P. O'Donnell, V. Y. Polotsky, and S. M. Scharf
Body Composition and Resting Energy Expenditure in Clinically Stable, Non-Weight-Losing Patients With Severe Emphysema
Chest, October 1, 2003; 124(4): 1365 - 1372.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ThoraxHome page
D D Sin and S F P Man
Impaired lung function and serum leptin in men and women with normal body weight: a population based study
Thorax, August 1, 2003; 58(8): 695 - 698.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
A. Gavrila, C.-K. Peng, J. L. Chan, J. E. Mietus, A. L. Goldberger, and C. S. Mantzoros
Diurnal and Ultradian Dynamics of Serum Adiponectin in Healthy Men: Comparison with Leptin, Circulating Soluble Leptin Receptor, and Cortisol Patterns
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2003; 88(6): 2838 - 2843.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
M. Yannakoulia, N. Yiannakouris, S. Bluher, A.-L. Matalas, D. Klimis-Zacas, and C. S. Mantzoros
Body Fat Mass and Macronutrient Intake in Relation to Circulating Soluble Leptin Receptor, Free Leptin Index, Adiponectin, and Resistin Concentrations in Healthy Humans
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2003; 88(4): 1730 - 1736.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
GeneticsHome page
E. A. Gaucher, M. M. Miyamoto, and S. A. Benner
Evolutionary, Structural and Biochemical Evidence for a New Interaction Site of the Leptin Obesity Protein
Genetics, April 1, 2003; 163(4): 1549 - 1553.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Exp. Biol. Med.Home page
R. R. Kraemer, H. Chu, and V. D. Castracane
Leptin and Exercise
Experimental Biology and Medicine, October 1, 2002; 227(9): 701 - 708.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
FASEB J.Home page
R. B. CEDDIA, H. A. KOISTINEN, J. R. ZIERATH, and G. SWEENEY
Analysis of paradoxical observations on the association between leptin and insulin resistance
FASEB J, August 1, 2002; 16(10): 1163 - 1176.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
DiabetesHome page
N. Lahlou, T. Issad, Y. Lebouc, J.-C. Carel, L. Camoin, M. Roger, and J. Girard
Mutations in the Human Leptin and Leptin Receptor Genes as Models of Serum Leptin Receptor Regulation
Diabetes, June 1, 2002; 51(6): 1980 - 1985.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Biol. Reprod.Home page
R. M. Seeber, J. T. Smith, and B. J. Waddell
Plasma Leptin-Binding Activity and Hypothalamic Leptin Receptor Expression During Pregnancy and Lactation in the Rat
Biol Reprod, June 1, 2002; 66(6): 1762 - 1767.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
J. Z. Kasa-Vubu, A. Barkan, P. Olton, T. Meckmongkol, N. E. Carlson, and C. M. Foster
Incomplete Modified Fast in Obese Early Pubertal Girls Leads to an Increase in 24-Hour Growth Hormone Concentration and a Lessening of the Circadian Pattern in Leptin
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., April 1, 2002; 87(4): 1885 - 1893.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
M. Ozata, C. Oktenli, M. Gulec, T. Ozgurtas, F. Bulucu, K. Caglar, N. Bingol, A. Vural, and I. C. Ozdemir
Increased Fasting Plasma Acylation-Stimulating Protein Concentrations in Nephrotic Syndrome
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2002; 87(2): 853 - 858.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.Home page
S. U. Devaskar, R. Anthony, and W. Hay Jr.
Ontogeny and insulin regulation of fetal ovine white adipose tissue leptin expression
Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, February 1, 2002; 282(2): R431 - R438.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ThoraxHome page
M Fitzpatrick
Leptin and the obesity hypoventilation syndrome: a leap of faith?
Thorax, January 1, 2002; 57(1): 1 - 2.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol.Home page
C. Barazzone-Argiroffo, P. Muzzin, Y. R. Donati, C.-D. Kan, M. L. Aubert, and P.-F. Piguet
Hyperoxia increases leptin production: a mechanism mediated through endogenous elevation of corticosterone
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol, November 1, 2001; 281(5): L1150 - L1156.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Immunol.Home page
H. Zarkesh-Esfahani, G. Pockley, R. A. Metcalfe, M. Bidlingmaier, Z. Wu, A. Ajami, A. P. Weetman, C. J. Strasburger, and R. J. M. Ross
High-Dose Leptin Activates Human Leukocytes Via Receptor Expression on Monocytes
J. Immunol., October 15, 2001; 167(8): 4593 - 4599.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Arch Intern MedHome page
G. Glazer
Long-term Pharmacotherapy of Obesity 2000: A Review of Efficacy and Safety
Arch Intern Med, August 13, 2001; 161(15): 1814 - 1824.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
M. Ozata, D. Gungor, M. Turan, G. Ozisik, N. Bingol, T. Ozgurtas, and I. C. Ozdemir
Improved Glycemic Control Increases Fasting Plasma Acylation-Stimulating Protein and Decreases Leptin Concentrations in Type II Diabetic Subjects
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., August 1, 2001; 86(8): 3659 - 3664.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
G. Fruhbeck, J. Gomez-Ambrosi, F. J. Muruzabal, and M. A. Burrell
The adipocyte: a model for integration of endocrine and metabolic signaling in energy metabolism regulation
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, June 1, 2001; 280(6): E827 - E847.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med.Home page
N. TAKABATAKE, H. NAKAMURA, O. MINAMIHABA, M. INAGE, S. INOUE, S. KAGAYA, M. YAMAKI, and H. TOMOIKE
A Novel Pathophysiologic Phenomenon in Cachexic Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease . The Relationship between the Circadian Rhythm of Circulating Leptin and the Very Low-Frequency Component of Heart Rate Variability
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., May 1, 2001; 163(6): 1314 - 1319.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
Diabetes CareHome page
G. Targher, L. Zenari, G. Faccini, G. Falezza, M. Muggeo, and G. Zoppini
Serum Leptin Concentrations in Young Smokers With Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes Care, April 1, 2001; 24(4): 793 - 794.
[Full Text]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
H. Christou, J. M. Connors, M. Ziotopoulou, V. Hatzidakis, E. Papathanassoglou, S. A. Ringer, and C. S. Mantzoros
Cord Blood Leptin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Levels are Independent Predictors of Fetal Growth
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2001; 86(2): 935 - 938.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol.Home page
A. Sjoholm, P. Arkhammar, P.-O. Berggren, and A. Andersson
Polyamines in pancreatic islets of obese-hyperglycemic (ob/ob) mice of different ages
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, February 1, 2001; 280(2): C317 - C323.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
C. S. Mantzoros and J. S. Flier
Leptin as a Therapeutic Agent--Trials and Tribulations
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., November 1, 2000; 85(11): 4000 - 4002.
[Full Text]


Home page
Biol. Reprod.Home page
M. C. Henson and V. D. Castracane
Leptin in Pregnancy
Biol Reprod, November 1, 2000; 63(5): 1219 - 1228.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab.Home page
M. Ziotopoulou, C. S. Mantzoros, S. M. Hileman, and J. S. Flier
Differential expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides in the early phase of diet-induced obesity in mice
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, October 1, 2000; 279(4): E838 - E845.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ChestHome page
P. E. Marik
Leptin, Obesity, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Chest, September 1, 2000; 118(3): 569 - 571.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ChestHome page
M. S. M. Ip, K. S. L. Lam, C.-m. Ho, K. W. T. Tsang, and W.-k. Lam
Serum Leptin and Vascular Risk Factors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Chest, September 1, 2000; 118(3): 580 - 586.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EndocrinologyHome page
M. Rozhavskaya-Arena, D. W. Lee, M. C. Leinung, and P. Grasso
Design of a Synthetic Leptin Agonist: Effects on Energy Balance, Glucose Homeostasis, and Thermoregulation
Endocrinology, July 1, 2000; 141(7): 2501 - 2507.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
JAMAHome page
K. Fujioka, J. Patane, J. Lubina, and D. Lau
CSF Leptin Levels After Exogenous Administration of Recombinant Methionyl Human Leptin
JAMA, October 27, 1999; 282(16): 1517 - 1518.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USAHome page
I. Szanto and C. R. Kahn
Selective interaction between leptin and insulin signaling pathways in a hepatic cell line
PNAS, February 29, 2000; 97(5): 2355 - 2360.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]




 Home | Current Issue | Past Issues | In the Clinic | ACP Journal Club | CME | Collections | Audio/Video | Mobile | Subscribe | Tools | Help | ACP Online 

Copyright © 1999 by the American College of Physicians.