[Effect of leptin on bone mineral dencity in premenopausal and postmenopausal women].

Leptin raises considerable interest as a potential mediator of the protective effects of fat mass on bone tissue. The literature data support the hypothesis that leptin can act directly or indirectly on bone remodeling. However, such influence is not confirmed possibly because of the shifting balance between stimulatory direct action and suppressive indirect action of leptin on bones. The effects of oestrogen decline and deficiency during natural or artificially induced menopause and hormone replacement therapy on leptin production remains controversial. Various studies have shown differences in leptin values in pre-and postmenopausal women. Larger clinical studies are necessary to assess central and peripheral role of leptin in the overall maintenance of bone turnover.