Leptin signaling and aging: insight from caloric restriction

• Published in: Mechanisms of ageing and development Vol. 122; no. 14; pp. 1511 - 1519
• Main Authors: Shimokawa, Isao, Higami, Yoshikazu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 30.09.2001; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological; Aging; Aging - metabolism; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Caloric restriction; Development. Metamorphosis. Moult. Ageing; Energy Intake - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Leptin; Leptin - metabolism; Leptin - physiology; Metabolic adaptation; Neuroendocrine; Neurosecretory Systems - metabolism; Signal Transduction - physiology; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; Aging; Neuroendocrine; Metabolic adaptation; Leptin; Caloric restriction; Human; Signal transduction; Senescence; Animal; Peptide hormone; Neuroendocrine regulation; Metabolism; Feeding; Adaptation; Low calorie diet
• ISSN: 0047-6374; 1872-6216
• DOI: 10.1016/S0047-6374(01)00284-6

Organisms have evolved neuroendocrine and metabolic response systems to enhance survival during periods of food shortage, which occur frequently in nature. The anti-aging effect of caloric restriction (CR) might derive from these adaptive responses to maximize organism survival. The present article discusses the potential role for leptin, a hormone secreted from adipocytes, as a key signal that induces the adaptive responses relevant to CR. Evidence indicates that a CR-induced reduction of the plasma leptin concentration suppresses the gonadal, somatotropic, and thyroidal axes, and activates the adrenal axis. Metabolic adaptation, a shift in fuel utilization mainly conducted in the liver, seems to require leptin signaling. Although alternative signaling pathways might also mediate the anti-aging effects of CR, leptin signaling could be a substantial pathway involved in these effects. Molecular dissection of the mechanisms underlying the effects of CR will contribute to a better understanding of the aging process, leading to the extension of a healthy lifespan in humans.