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LeptinThe amount of leptin is highly correlated with the amount of fat stored in the body, with greater levels found in individuals with more fat. "However, not all obese patients have increased levels, which suggests there may be important differences in the cause of obesity."Leptin seems to act as a signal of how much fat is in the body to the brain's hypothalamus, which coordinates basic body functions such as eating. Reduced sensitivity to leptin in some patients could explain why more leptin is found in obese people, the scientists note. Leptin also plays a role in immune regulation: Leptin also plays a regulatory role in immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Alterations in immune and inflammatory responses are present in leptin- or leptin-receptor-deficient animals, as well as during starvation and malnutrition, two conditions characterized by low levels of circulating leptin. What is Leptin?Protein produced by fat cells |
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Copyright 2004 Dr Angie Hayes |  |