Leptin and reproductive function in males

Leptin is a circulating protein produced by adipocytes that has been implicated in control of body weight through appetite regulation and control of reproduction, most likely through an effect on the central nervous system. From studies in mice, it is clear that the genetic background of the animal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSeminars in reproductive medicine Vol. 20; no. 2; p. 145
Main Authors Lado-Abeal, Joaquin, Norman, Reid L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.2002
Subjects
Adipocytes - metabolism
Animals
Energy Intake
Humans
Leptin - genetics
Leptin - physiology
Male
Mice
Mice, Obese
Mutation
Obesity - genetics
Obesity - physiopathology
Reproduction - physiology
Testis - secretion
Testosterone - secretion
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Summary:Leptin is a circulating protein produced by adipocytes that has been implicated in control of body weight through appetite regulation and control of reproduction, most likely through an effect on the central nervous system. From studies in mice, it is clear that the genetic background of the animal on which the mutation in the leptin gene is placed can influence how that mutation is expressed. Although the effects of leptin have been more thoroughly documented in nonprimate species than in primates, a few human families with genetic mutations of the gene for leptin or the leptin receptor show obesity and impaired fertility. There is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of leptin in male primates, but it appears that the metabolic and reproductive effects of low leptin levels caused by reduced energy intake in adult animals can be more readily alleviated by administration of energy substrates than by administration of leptin.
ISSN:1526-8004
DOI:10.1055/s-2002-32506