Partial leptin deficiency and human adiposity.
The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin is crucial for energy homeostasis in mammals; mice and humans without it suffer from a voracious appetite and extreme obesity. The effect on energy balance of variations in plasma leptin above a minimal threshold is uncertain, however, particularly in humans. Here we examine a group of individuals who are genetically partially deficient in leptin, and show that differences in circulating leptin levels within the range found in normal human populations can directly influence the laying down of fat tissue (adiposity).
Farooqi
I S
IS
University Departments of Medicine and Clinical Biochemistry, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
Keogh
J M
JM
Kamath
S
S
Jones
S
S
Gibson
W T
WT
Trussell
R
R
Jebb
S A
SA
Lip
G Y
GY
O'Rahilly
S
S
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D005075:Biological Evolution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D016368:Frameshift Mutation; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics
D020738:Leptin