Leptin and reproduction

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is a small peptide molecule synthesized by white adipocytes with an important role in the regulation of body fat and food intake. Leptin and leptin receptor mRNA were first detected in the brain and hypothalamus but now their ubiquitous presence has been demonstra...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human reproduction update 2000-05, Vol.6 (3), p.290-300
Main Authors: González, R R, Simón, C, Caballero-Campo, P, Norman, R, Chardonnens, D, Devoto, L, Bischof, P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Carrier Proteins - physiology
Embryo Implantation
Embryo, Mammalian - physiology
Embryonic and Fetal Development
Female
Gene Expression Regulation
Humans
Inflammation
Leptin - genetics
Leptin - physiology
Neurosecretory Systems - physiology
Nutritional Status
Pregnancy
Receptors, Cell Surface
Receptors, Leptin
Reproduction
Signal Transduction
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Summary:Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is a small peptide molecule synthesized by white adipocytes with an important role in the regulation of body fat and food intake. Leptin and leptin receptor mRNA were first detected in the brain and hypothalamus but now their ubiquitous presence has been demonstrated. Leptin receptor signal transduction involves the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, a member of the transcription family of proteins. Leptin is regulated by hormones and cytokines, interleukin-1, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta, linking this molecule with the inflammatory response. In addition, emerging evidence has demonstrated that this molecule is related to reproductive function. This small protein is present in the ovary and decidua, in mature oocytes and during embryonic development and trophoblast invasion. Animal models have demonstrated that leptin-deficient ob/ob mice are sterile; however, fertility can be restored by exogenous leptin. In addition, embryos implanted in STAT-3-deficient mice degenerate rapidly and are the target disruption of STAT-3-provoked embryonic lethality. Leptin acts as a novel placental hormone participating in the control of fetal growth and development. Leptin could be a modulator for invasive features of cytotrophoblast cells. We postulate that leptin may have an autocrine/paracrine role in human implantation and placentation.
ISSN:1355-4786
1460-2369
DOI:10.1093/humupd/6.3.290