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Leptin
Adipocyte-secreted peptide hormone that signals body fat mass to the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure, with secretion proportional to fat mass and acute decreases on fasting.
Congenital leptin deficiency (rare) causes severe early-onset obesity treatable with recombinant leptin (metreleptin). Common obesity is associated with elevated leptin and central leptin resistance. Leptin signals through the long-form LepRb receptor on hypothalamic neurons, activating POMC neurons and inhibiting AgRP/NPY neurons. Leptin also has roles in immune function and reproduction (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis).
How each textbook covers it
Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary
Adipocyte-derived hormone that signals long-term energy stores to the hypothalamus. Acts on arcuate nucleus neurons to suppress NPY/AgRP and stimulate POMC pathways, decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure.
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 43: Appetite Regulation
Congenital leptin deficiency (rare) causes severe early-onset obesity treatable with recombinant leptin (metreleptin). Common obesity is associated with elevated leptin and central leptin resistance. Leptin signals through the long-form LepRb receptor on hypothalamic neurons, activating POMC neurons and inhibiting AgRP/NPY neurons. Leptin also has roles in immune function and reproduction (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis).
Related terms
Anorexigenic, Arcuate nucleus, Ghrelin, Hypothalamus, Leptin resistance, Obesity