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Does the emperor have clothes?

Despite being hailed as the key regulator of leanness, leptin's function in humans remains uncharacterized. Researchers call for experimental evidence to demonstrate its mechanism of action, highlighting a crucial gap in our understanding of metabolism and obesity.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 23, 2017

New appetite control mechanism found in brain

Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified a molecule, NPGL, that increases appetite during fasting and decreases it during gorging. This discovery suggests that the body has an evolved mechanism to maintain weight at a constant level, regardless of diet or energy intake.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalEndocrinology·DateApr 28, 2017

UTSW identifies ion channel necessary for hormone and anti-obesity drug to suppress eating

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified an ion channel, TrpC5, essential for the brain's response to leptin and lorcaserin, two hormones and medications used to suppress appetite and reduce body weight. In mice deficient in TrpC5, these hormones were ineffective, leading to increased body weight and disrupted metabolism.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 6, 2017

Brain receptor identified as link between obese mothers and children's high blood pressure

A study by King's College London has discovered a link between maternal obesity during pregnancy and increased blood pressure in children, with the 'fullness' hormone leptin playing a key role. Mice exposed to high levels of leptin in the womb developed high blood pressure and kidney damage later in life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2016

Brain cells that aid appetite control identified

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a crucial role of NG2-glia cells in the median eminence in regulating appetite and body weight. The cells support and shelter leptin receptor neurons, enabling them to instruct the body when to stop eating, leading to potential new targeted anti-obesity approaches.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 12, 2016

Helmholtz researchers identify genetic switch regulating satiety and body weight

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified a new component regulating body weight and food intake, with histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) playing a significant influence on leptin's effect. The study found that HDAC5 is essential for the brain to recognize fat depot levels, enabling adaptation to food intake and reducing obesity.

From brain, to fat, to weight loss

A breakthrough study has identified a neural mechanism responsible for fat breakdown, allowing researchers to develop novel anti-obesity therapies. The study found that fat tissue is innervated and direct stimulation of neurons in fat can induce fat breakdown, providing new hopes for treating central leptin resistance.

Body fat hormone leptin influences runner's high

A new study has found that the satiety hormone leptin plays a crucial role in the 'runner's high' feeling, with mice running longer distances on a wheel due to reduced leptin signaling. The research also suggests that people with lower fat-adjusted leptin levels may be more inclined to exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 1, 2015

Obesity and hypertension

A groundbreaking study by Australian researchers has discovered that leptin hormone secreted by fat cells elevates blood pressure in obesity. The hormone acts in the brain to increase blood pressure, making it a promising target for treating obesity-induced hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceTania Ewing and Associates·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for May 8, 2014

A new study reveals that leptin acts directly on neurons in the preoptic region of the hypothalamus to regulate peripheral levels of leutinizing hormone, essential for reproduction. The study demonstrates that leptin communicates the status of peripheral energy stores to GnRH-releasing neurons via the preoptic hypothalamus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 8, 2014

New discovery finds missing hormone in birds

A team of researchers from the University of Akron has made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying the missing hormone leptin in birds. Leptin plays a crucial role in regulating body fat storage, metabolism, and appetite, but its presence was unknown in avian species until now.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2014

Life without insulin is possible

Scientists identified mechanisms necessary to live without insulin, a breakthrough that could lead to alternative treatments against diabetes. Researchers found leptin regulates glucose levels and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia, offering hope for patients.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 3, 2013

'Healthier hormones' through diet and exercise

A study of 439 overweight postmenopausal women found that weight loss and physical activity lower the risk of breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers. Adiponectin levels increased with weight loss, while leptin levels decreased, suggesting a protective effect against tumor cell growth.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 6, 2013

Target for obesity drugs comes into focus

Scientists at the University of Michigan have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how the hormone leptin regulates metabolism and body weight. By visualizing the interaction between leptin and its receptor, researchers may develop new drugs to overcome leptin resistance, a key factor in obesity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 11, 2012

New 'Skinny' on Leptin

A new study by researchers at The University of Akron found that leptin may play a role in hearing and vision loss in humans. Leptin also affects the development of eyes and ears in fish, suggesting a potential link to sensory loss.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology·DateSep 26, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 13, 2012

Researchers have discovered a new way to enhance trastuzumab treatment in HER2-positive breast cancer patients by stimulating natural killer cells. Additionally, the activation of FoxO1 has been linked to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy, offering a promising therapeutic target. Leptin's direct action on POMC neurons may also...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 13, 2012