dual role of leptin in obesity

Abstract

Obesity is a global health problem, whose origin may be due to affectations of eating behavior, genetics and/or cultural. As a result of the excessive accumulation of fat in the body that goes beyond organic needs, obesity occurs. An excessive appetite generates an energy imbalance with its consequent weight gain and that can be caused by the hypothalamus when it does not receive the appropriate signals. Leptin is a hormone produced by adipocytes that normally reaches the hypothalamus via the blood and binds to its specific receptor, inducing the synthesis and secretion of anorexigenic neuropeptides, responsible for inhibiting appetite. However, when its quality, quantity or leptin receptors are not at a functional level, hyperphagia occurs, generating obesity. Leptin therapy for obese patients seems to be a viable alternative to establish a better energy balance. Likewise, low or high levels of leptin, have been correlated both with a chronic inflammatory process, as well as a reduction in the immune response and, therefore, greater susceptibility to infections. A better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate appetite, energy homeostasis and its implication in obesity are perhaps the main challenges with an impact on world health.