Leptin as a predictive marker for metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome poses a major threat on human health affecting the quality of life. Adipose tissue is an important organ which plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. Adipocytokines secreted by the adipose tissue plays a critical role in storage, food intake, energy expenditure, lipid and glucose metabolism. Leptin is primarily involved in regulating food intake, body weight and energy homeostasis through neuroendocrine functions. Contemporary research suggests that leptin also influences insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. High leptin concentrations are directly associated with the obesity subsequent development of metabolic disease sequelae such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Elucidation of the mechanism of action of leptin would help to develop novel therapeutic approaches for there metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. This review provides an updated 'state-of-the-art' about the leptin and its role in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome at the molecular level.

Keywords: Insulin resistance; Leptin; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Type 2 diabetes.