Ahima R S, Flier J S
Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Annu Rev Physiol. 2000;62:413-37. doi: 10.1146/annurev.physiol.62.1.413.
The discovery of the adipose-derived hormone leptin has generated enormous interest in the interaction between peripheral signals and brain targets involved in the regulation of feeding and energy balance. Plasma leptin levels correlate with fat stores and respond to changes in energy balance. It was initially proposed that leptin serves a primary role as an anti-obesity hormone, but this role is commonly thwarted by leptin resistance. Leptin also serves as a mediator of the adaptation to fasting, and this role may be the primary function for which the molecule evolved. There is increasing evidence that leptin has systemic effects apart from those related to energy homeostasis, including regulation of neuroendocrine and immune function and a role in development.
脂肪源性激素瘦素的发现引发了人们对参与进食和能量平衡调节的外周信号与脑靶点之间相互作用的极大兴趣。血浆瘦素水平与脂肪储备相关，并对能量平衡的变化做出反应。最初有人提出，瘦素作为一种抗肥胖激素发挥主要作用，但这种作用通常会因瘦素抵抗而受到阻碍。瘦素还作为适应禁食的介质，这一作用可能是该分子进化的主要功能。越来越多的证据表明，瘦素除了具有与能量稳态相关的作用外，还具有全身效应，包括对神经内分泌和免疫功能的调节以及在发育过程中的作用。
