Dynamic Analysis of the Possible Effects of Leptin in Some Metabolic Disorders in Obesity

Abstract

Obesity and metabolic syndrome represent an increasing epidemiological challenge for society given the associated social and health implications. Obesity is related to different metabolic disorders, like diabetes mellitus type 2, which has been subject to study in the last decades. Nowadays, most of the related research focuses on endocrine aspects, especially related to adipose tissue. This is due to the fact that some adipocytokines are proven to be of great relevance as therapeutic agents both for obesity and mellitus type 2 diabetes. This work integrates some aspects of the knowledge generated under these research studies. In this context, it is proposed the design and development of a computational model that provides a better dynamic view of the existing interactions between endocrine aspects of the adipose tissue and glucose control mechanisms in people with obesity. The model behaves as an observer that estimates the dynamics of internal state variables, not easy to be measured in the clinical practice, and which helps to understand the dynamic behaviour of measurable variables. The work analyses the effects of the external energy intake and exercises over the obesity control and glycemia. The model has been validated by using other authors’ data. Predictions of the influence over the measurable variables of the behaviours considered when the virtual patient follows different diets and physical exercise are shown as results.