Zur Bedeutung von Leptin für die Reproduktion

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This review explores leptin's role in reproduction, noting its link to adipose tissue and potential involvement in PCOS pathogenesis, while highlighting current uncertainties regarding its precise functions and clinical utility.

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This review article examines the role of leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, in human reproduction and its potential interactions with steroid synthesis and various tissues. The authors note that while leptin may link fatty tissue to brain function and influence conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, current data remain contradictory and its precise physiological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Furthermore, the paper highlights that the significance of leptin for puberty initiation and pregnancy-related hyperleptinemia is still unclear, with no practical clinical application for routine measurement at the time of publication. Relevance to endometriosis: listed as one indication for GnRH antagonists, though the paper's main focus is uterine fibroids.

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Abstract

Leptin is mainly synthesized by adipocytes and might represent the connecting link between fatty tissue and brain. In reference to reproduction, leptin resistance could play a role particularly in the pathogenesis of the PCO syndrome. However, there exists at present contradictory data on this, so that further clarification is necessary. Leptin interacts with the steroid synthesis to a degree not yet precisely clarified and possesses receptors in numerous tissues, which suggests extensive local and endocrine effects. Its exact significance for the initiation of puberty still remains unknown. The same is true for first data regarding leptin and endometriosis and the interpretation of hyperleptinemia during pregnancy. It is clear that this protein mediates between fatty tissue and the reproductive function. However, the detailed physiologic and pathophysiologic role of leptin in reproduction can only be clarified through further extensive studies. To date there is not yet a practical importance for the measurement of leptin in routine work in reproductive medicine.
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Subscribe to RSS DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-10090 J.A.Barth Verlag in Medizinverlage Heidelberg GmbH & Co.KG Zur Bedeutung von Leptin für die Reproduktion Publication History 25. 5. 2000 6. 7. 2000 Publication Date: 31 December 2000 (online) Zusammenfassung Leptin wird bevorzugt von den Adipozyten synthetisiert und könnte das Bindeglied zwischen Fettgewebe und Gehirn darstellen. In bezug auf die Reproduktion könnte die Leptinresistenz insbesondere in der Pathogenese des PCO-Syndroms eine Rolle spielen. Derzeit existieren dazu aber widersprüchliche Daten, so daß weiterer Klärungsbedarf besteht. Leptin interagiert in noch nicht genau geklärtem Ausmaß mit der Steroidsynthese und besitzt Rezeptoren in zahlreichen Geweben, was auf umfangreiche lokale und endokrine Effekte schließen läßt. Seine genaue Bedeutung für die Initiierung der Pubertät bleibt derzeit ungeklärt. Gleiches gilt für erste Daten über Leptin und Endometriose sowie für die Interpretation der Hyperleptinämie in der Schwangerschaft. Klar ist, daß dieses Protein zwischen Fettgewebe und reproduktiver Funktion vermittelt. Erst weitere umfangreiche Untersuchungen können jedoch die detaillierte physiologische und pathophysiologische Rolle von Leptin in der Reproduktion klären. Derzeit besitzt die Messung von Leptinkonzentrationen noch keine praktische Bedeutung für die klinische Routine in der Reproduktionsmedizin. Importance of leptin in reproduction Summary Leptin is mainly synthesized by adipocytes and might represent the connecting link between fatty tissue and brain. In reference to reproduction, leptin resistance could play a role particularly in the pathogenesis of the PCO syndrome. However, there exists at present contradictory data on this, so that further clarification is necessary. Leptin interacts with the steroid synthesis to a degree not yet precisely clarified and possesses receptors in numerous tissues, which suggests extensive local and endocrine effects. Its exact significance for the initiation of puberty still remains unknown. The same is true for first data regarding leptin and endometriosis and the interpretation of hyperleptinemia during pregnancy. It is clear that this protein mediates between fatty tissue and the reproductive function. However, the detailed physiologic and pathophysiologic role of leptin in reproduction can only be clarified through further extensive studies. To date there is not yet a practical importance for the measurement of leptin in routine work in reproductive medicine. MeSH C18.654.621 obesityD12.776 proteins Schlüsselwörter Leptin - Reproduktion Key words Leptin - reproduction Literatur - 1 Ahima R S, Prabakaran D, Mantzoros C, Qu D, Lowell B, Maratos-Flier E, Flier J S. 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endometriosisdie_deep_infiltrating

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Leptin Obesity Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Sexual Maturation Adipose Tissue Adipose Tissue Adolescent Adult Child Endometriosis Female Humans Leptin Obesity Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Pregnancy Sexual Maturation

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