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Semin Reprod Med 2002; 20(2): 123-130
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-32503
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Leptin in Relation to Growth and Developmental Processes in the Fetus

Helen Christou1 , Shanti Serdy2 , Christos S. Mantzoros2
  • 1Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital
  • 2Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 June 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Leptin, a 16-kilodalton protein secreted by the adipose tissue in proportion to the amount of energy stored in adipose tissue, conveys to the hypothalamus information on energy homeostasis and regulates reproductive function. In addition, there is accumulating evidence that leptin produced by placental or fetal tissues acts through specific leptin receptors to regulate fetal growth and development. Although leptin levels are correlated with insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels, observational studies in humans indicate that its effects on fetal growth are independent of these axes and of adiposity. The extent to which leptin per se mediates the fetal growth and developmental abnormalities associated with disease states such as diabetes, hypoxia, or preeclampsia remains to be fully clarified by future studies in humans. It is hoped that clarification of these mechanisms may provide novel therapeutic approaches.

KEYWORDS

Leptin - fetus - growth

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