[Leptin: a peptide with therapeutic potential in the obese].
Obesity is the result of a positive balance between total energy intake and its catabolism. Although many factors are involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, the discovery of leptin led to energy homeostasis being investigated in greater depth. Since its identification, leptin has been considered important in the development of obesity, given its anorexigenic effect and influence on food intake and energy expenditure. Leptin is involved in diverse physiological processes such as energy balance, appetite and body weight control, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and reproduction. However, to be able to function, this hormone has many specific receptors both centrally (hypothalamus) and peripherally in the skeletal muscle, lungs and kidneys. This study aims to review the key aspects relating leptin to the development of obesity and discusses its potential as an anorectic agent.
González Jiménez
Emilio
E
Departamento de Enfermería, Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Granada, Granada, España. emigoji@correo.ugr.es
Aguilar Cordero
María José
MJ
García García
Carmen de Jesús
Cde J
García López
Pedro Antonio
PA
Alvarez Ferre
Judit
J
Padilla López
Carlos Alberto
CA
D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
D020738:Leptin