The therapeutic potential of leptin

Many studies have reported the difficulty most subjects have in maintaining weight loss. Leptin is a cytokine-like protein made in adipose tissue and is transported into the brain by the blood–brain barrier where it inhibits food intake by altering the expression of hypothalamic neurotransmitters. The discovery of leptin raised the hope that a natural compound had been found that could cause weight loss without adverse effects. However, the majority of obese people have high levels of circulating leptin and it is not surprising that clinical trials published so far have shown that leptin only works effectively to suppress food intake in subjects who are hyperphagic as a result of low leptin levels. Obesity secondary to leptin deficiency is rare, most being associated with leptin insensitivity. To overcome leptin insensitivity, higher leptin levels in the CNS may be required. However, there is evidence that the leptin transport mechanism is saturated at low plasma leptin concentrations, limiting the effectiveness of peripherally-administered hormone. It is concluded that for leptin to have therapeutic potential, it either needs to be modified or the transport system by which leptin enters the brain needs to be upregulated to allow leptin to enter the brain more easily. To achieve effective weight loss, it may also be necessary to overcome central leptin insensitivity by developing agents that act downstream of leptin action.