Leptin actions having a pediatric interest

Abstract

Leptin is a factor discovered in 1994 that it cause anorexia and weight loss. It is mainly synthesised in adipocytes and serum levels are related to the body mass index (BMI). In some circumstances, as in uremic patients the leptin control is disturbed. In the coeliac disease the leptin levels loss their relationship with the BMI and they are disproportionated low, in contrast a significant increase is produced in patients with sepsis, mainly in deceased cases. The leptin is also produced in the placenta and it could have a nutritional role in the fetus and the mother. Both have increased levels although they decreased in the post-delivery days. In rats, a gastric leptin has recently discovered which have a very fast food-dependent action. It shows synergistic actions with cholecystokinin and it is a potent gastroprotective agent. In man the gastric leptin is in study but it is a very interesting fact their presence in human milk.