Introduction. Leptin was discovered because of its actions in the control of feeding and metabolic expenditure, affecting hypothalamic nucleus. Since that, a wide diversity of additional functions have been described for this hormone. Molecule and receptor. Leptin is a protein that belongs to the cytocine family and hence its receptor is similar to cytocine receptors. There are at least six isoforms, although ObRb subtype is the active form. ObRb is associated with JAK2-STAT3 system and also activates other intracellular signalling systems. Functions of leptin. Leptin is involved in a wide variety of processes such as regulation of body weight, regulation of feeding and metabolic expenditure, reproduction, growth, immune function, vascular tone and probably in many others to be determined. Associated diseases. Leptin has been associated with a number of diseases including cancer of various types, psichiatric illnesses, arterial hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, reproductive alterations, placenta insufficiency, immune defficiencies and osteoarthritis. Conclusions. Leptin is an hormonal regulator of many biological processes and can be involved in the pathophysiology of a wide number of diseases.
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