Gene

Leptin

Animal studies

Biology

Regulator

Clinical trial

Endocrinology

Biochemistry

Fatty liver

Bioinformatics

Insulin resistance

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Energy homeostasis

Internal medicine

Hormone

Medicine

Observational study

Obesity

Disease

Adipose tissue

Glucose homeostasis

Diabetes mellitus

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Leptin has emerged over the past 2 decades as a key hormone secreted by adipose tissue that conveys information on energy stores. Leptin is considered an important regulator of both neuroendocrine function and energy homeostasis. Numerous studies (mainly preclinical and much less in humans) have investigated the mechanisms of leptin's actions both in the healthy state as well as in a wide range of metabolic diseases. In this review, the authors present leptin physiology and review the main findings from animal studies, observational and interventional studies, and clinical trials in humans that have investigated the role of leptin in metabolism and cardiometabolic diseases (energy deficiency, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). The authors discuss the similarities and discrepancies between animal and human biology and present clinical applications of leptin, directions for future research, and current approaches for the development of the next-generation leptin analogs.

Leptin in Leanness and Obesity