Leptin-An Energy Barometer and Neuroendocrinal Regulator Review Article

Leptin is a protein hormone mainly released from the adipocytes. The hormone plays diverse role in the body involving energy homeostasis, reproductive function involving GnRH axis, body metabolism by affecting thyroid axis, immune system of our body and bone metabolism. But the most important role played by leptin is on regulating energy inake and energy expenditure. The site of action of leptin is mainly hypothalamus although receptors are also present in peripheral tissues. Recently much work is done on mechanism of action and role of leptin in human physiology due to its diverse mode of actions. Most of the researchers believe that leptin has some role in pathophysiology of obesity.

Leptin resistance has been proposed to explain the role leptin in pathophysiology of obesity. Since obesity plays an important role in many prevalent non-communicable diseases like metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hypertension etc, therefore physiological role of leptin is topic of extensive research recently.