nounIntermediate
Definition
167-amino-acid peptide hormone secreted proportionally to adipose tissue mass.
Detailed Explanation
167-amino-acid peptide hormone secreted proportionally to adipose tissue mass. Leptin signals the brain's hypothalamus about long-term energy reserves, suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure when fat stores are adequate. Discovered in 1994 by Jeffrey Friedman through study of the ob/ob mouse, leptin initially seemed like a cure for obesity. However, most obese individuals have high leptin levels but are leptin-resistant — their brains no longer respond to the signal. Leptin replacement therapy is effective only for the rare genetic condition of congenital leptin deficiency.
Key Facts
- 167-amino-acid peptide hormone secreted proportionally to adipose tissue mass.
- Leptin signals the brain's hypothalamus about long-term energy reserves, suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure when fat stores are adequate.
- Discovered in 1994 by Jeffrey Friedman through study of the ob/ob mouse, leptin initially seemed like a cure for obesity.
- However, most obese individuals have high leptin levels but are leptin-resistant — their brains no longer respond to the signal.
- Leptin replacement therapy is effective only for the rare genetic condition of congenital leptin deficiency.
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