Leptin hormone and other biochemical influences on systemic inflammation

Summary 

Over the past 30 years, a sharp rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been noted in both children and adults. Health consequences include biomechanical, biochemical and psychosocial factors, with broad implications toward central adiposity and a number of conditions with which it relates. Substantial new information has surfaced within the last decade that alters previous concepts regarding the role of adipose tissue in health and in disease.

This literature review explores the role that white adipose tissue (WAT) plays within a cascade of endocrine interfaces that have significant health consequences. WAT is now known to be an active participant in regulating physiological and pathological processes, including immunity and inflammation and to play a primary role in the development of a triad of hormonal imbalance (leptin resistance, adrenaline resistance, insulin resistance). Particular focus is placed on leptin hormone and its potential influences on inflammation and a host of other metabolic disturbances.

Keywords: Adipokines, Adrenaline resistance, Cardiovascular risk, Inflammation, Insulin resistance, Leptin, Leptin resistance, Obesity, Proinflammatory state, Syndrome X, Type II diabetes, Visceral adiposity