Leptin--the fat controller.

Obesity is a common health disorder in humans and is inherited genetically. Though several theories have been proposed in the past to understand the mechanisms underlying the control of obesity, the recent discovery of leptin (OB) has made the obesity research interesting. OB, a product of ob gene is a 16 KD protein, secreted by the adipocytes. It acts through its receptor (OB-R), which is a product of db gene. ob and OB-R in conjunction with neuropeptide Y, melanocyte stimulating hormone and melanocortin-4 receptor have been found to control adiposity. Though several issues pertaining to ob need to be addressed, it is anticipated that future treatment of obesity may depend on our understanding of the action(s) of leptin and its associated molecules and receptors.