title: Leptin and its cardiovascular effects: Focus on angiogenesis.
abstract: Leptin is an endocrine hormone synthesized by adipocytes. It plays a key role in the energy homeostasis in central and peripheral tissues and has additional roles are attributed to it, such as the regulation of reproduction, immune function, bone homeostasis, and angiogenesis. The plasma concentration of leptin significantly increases in obese individuals. In the present review, we give an introduction concerning leptin, its receptors, signaling pathways, and its effect on cardiovascular system, especially on angiogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
authors.forename: Zoya
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tahergorabi
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Majid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khazaei
keywords: Angiogenesis; cardiovascular disease; leptin; leptin resistance