Leptin in Obstetrics and Gynecology:

Abstract

Leptin, a recently described type-1 cytokine, is involved in cellular maturation and growth and appears to have a relationship to some obstetrical and gynecologic diseases. The MEDLINE database was accessed, and leptin-related articles published during the past 6 years were reviewed for their relevance to gynecologic and obstetrical diseases. The relationships between this cytokine and obesity, puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, assisted fertility, and menopause are discussed. The role of leptin in fetal physiology and in normal and abnormal fetal growth as well as its role in diabetes, pregnancy, and pregnancy-induced hypertension are reviewed.

Determinants of fetal growth

“…Initially described in 1994, leptin is a 16-kD protein encoded by the ob/ob gene on chromosome 7 [27]. Known sites of production of this cytokine include adipose tissue [28], the stomach [29], bone, cartilage, teeth [27], trophoblast, and amnion [30].…”

“…Known sites of production of this cytokine include adipose tissue [28], the stomach [29], bone, cartilage, teeth [27], trophoblast, and amnion [30]. In adults, leptin receptors have been identified in the brain (eg, hypothalamus, cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, choroid), endometrium, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries, and skeletal muscle [29].…”

“…In adults, leptin receptors have been identified in the brain (eg, hypothalamus, cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, choroid), endometrium, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries, and skeletal muscle [29]. Increased concentrations of leptin are found with increased fat mass [28], in women [27] and in newborns of certain ethnic groups [31]. Leptin acts as a metabolic regulator.…”

“…During starvation, leptin synthesis is decreased, and stimuli from the hypothalamus induce food-seeking behavior, accompanied by a decrease in metabolic rate. Leptin also decreases insulin production by direct action on islet cells [27].…”

Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Leptin Level: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…CLA effects on body composition might be through increasing circulating leptin [22]. On the other hand, insulin might regulate or increase the production of leptin by adipose tissue [23,24]. As CLA can affect insulin concentration and sensitivity [5], its effect on leptin concentration is unknown.…”