Review Article Received on: 04-01-2015 Accepted on: 26-01-2015 Published on: 15-02-2015 Leptin Association in Disease and Disorders

Leptin, a peptide molecule first identified through its role in the hypothalamus regulating food intake and body weight. In addition to the adipose tissue, leptin is expressed in lymphoid tissues, placenta, ovaries, mammary epithelium and bone marrow. Leptin binds to leptin receptor (ObR), which was first isolated from the choroid plexus by expression cloning strategies. ObRs (6 isoforms) are located in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and show structural similarity with cytokines. Most of the physiological actions of leptin including feeding and energy balance. The other roles of leptin are in reproduction, thermogenesis, synaptic plasticity and neuroprotective effects. In conclusion, this review discusses leptinsignaling in different brain areas and sheds light on the involvement of leptin in neurodegenerative disorders. Leptin has neuroplastic and neurotrophic effects and can b