The leptin hypothesis of depression: a potential link between mood disorders and obesity?
The adipose-derived hormone leptin is well known for its function in the control of energy homeostasis. Recent studies suggest a novel role for this adipokine in the regulation of mood and emotion. Low levels of leptin have been found to be associated with depressive behaviors in rodents and humans. Pharmacological studies indicate that leptin has antidepressant-like efficacy. Both leptin insufficiency and leptin resistance may contribute to alterations of affective status. Identifying the key brain regions that mediate leptin's antidepressant activity and dissecting its intracellular signal transduction pathways may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of depression and facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this illness.
Lu
Xin-Yun
XY
Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. lux3@uthscsa.edu
D000818:Animals; D015306:Biogenic Monoamines / Q000502:physiology; D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D020738:Leptin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D054411:Receptors, Leptin / Q000502:physiology
D015306:Biogenic Monoamines; D020738:Leptin; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D054411:Receptors, Leptin