Higher Leptin Concentrations Research Articles

Influence of visceral obesity on the secretion of adipokines with epicardial adipocytes in patients with coronary heart disease

Aim. To study adipokine-cytokine profile of epicardial adipocytes (EAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in conjunction with the area of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), biochemical and clinical characteristics of patients with coronary heart disease. Materials and methods. Examined 84 patients (70 men and 14 women) with coronary artery disease. In fact the presence of visceral obesity (VO) the patients were divided into two groups. Patients VO the sampling of adipocytes of EAT and SAT, with subsequent cultivation and evaluation of adipokine and provospalitelna activity. Carried out the determination of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, adipokine and pro-inflammatory status in the blood serum. Results and discussion. It was found that adipokine-cytokine profile of adipocytes of EAT and SAT differ. Adipocytes art of the disease on the background characterized by an increase IL-1, TNF-α, leptin-adiponectin relationships and a decrease in the content of protective factors: adiponectin and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. While the SAT adipocytes was characterized by a decrease in the concentration of soluble receptor for leptin and the more pronounced leptinresistance, and the increase in proinflammatory cytokines was offset by the increase in the concentration of IL-10. The presence associated with multi-vessel coronary bed lesion, multifocal atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, an imbalance of adipokines and markers of inflammation. So the value of the square VAT determined higher concentrations of leptin, TNF-α in adipocytes and serum, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and a lower content of soluble receptor for leptin. Conclusion. Thus, the disease on the background of the status of the adipocytes of EAT characterized as a "metabolic inflammation", and may indicate the direct involvement of adipocytes in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, due to the formation of adipokine imbalance and the activation of proinflammatory reactions.

Leptin receptor is expressed by tissue mast cells

Leptin, the adipose tissue-derived product of the obese (ob) gene, is known to function as the hormone of energy expenditure. It has also been established that leptin regulates immune and inflammatory processes. All leptin-induced biological activities depend on binding to the membrane-spanning leptin receptor (Ob-R), belonging to the class I cytokine receptor family. The available data relating to the Ob-R on mature mast cells (MCs), and consequently leptin significance in the modulation of MC activity within the tissue, are limited. Immunohistochemistry was used to establish Ob-R expression by MCs in the mesenteric adipose tissue. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used to evaluate both constitutive and leptin-induced expression of Ob-R on freshly isolated peritoneal MCs. MCs in the mesenteric adipose tissue and native peritoneal MCs express Ob-R constitutively. Additionally, leptin influences its receptor expression on these cells. Leptin at lower concentrations caused Ob-R expression increase both at the cell surface and in the cell interior. MC stimulation with higher concentrations of leptin results in a decline of Ob-R from the cell surface and significant enhancement of this receptor not only in the nuclear region but also in the endoplasmic reticulum. In conclusion, one can be assumed that leptin regulates MC activity within tissues. These findings might provide an additional link among the leptin, innate immune function, and inflammatory processes and diseases.

Sex differences in body fat distribution are related to sex differences in serum leptin and adiponectin

It is debated whether sex differences in adiponectin and leptin are due to sex differences in body fat distribution. In this cross-sectional analysis of the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity study, associations of measures of body fat and sex with serum adiponectin and leptin concentrations were examined using linear regression analysis (n = 6494, VAT: n = 2516). Sex differences were additionally adjusted for the measure of body fat that was most strongly associated with adiponectin or leptin concentrations. Median adiponectin concentrations in women and men were 10.5 mg/L (IQR, interquartile range: 7.7–13.9) and 6.1 mg/L (IQR: 4.5–8.2), mean difference 4.6 mg/L (95% CI: 4.3, 4.9). Median leptin concentrations in women and men were 19.2 μg/L (IQR: 11.5–30.0) and 7.1 μg/L (IQR: 4.6–11.1), mean difference 15.1 μg/L (95% CI: 14.4, 15.8). VAT was most strongly associated with adiponectin, total body fat percentage was most strongly associated with leptin. After adjustment for VAT, women had 3.8 mg/L (95% CI: 3.3, 4.3) higher adiponectin than men. After adjustment for total body fat percentage, leptin concentrations in women were 0.4 μg/L lower than in men (95% CI: −1.2, 2.0). One genetic variant (rs4731420) was associated with extreme leptin concentrations (>100 μg/L) in women: odds ratio 2.8 (95% CI: 1.7, 4.6). Total body fat percentage was strongly associated with leptin concentrations. Higher leptin concentrations in women than in men were completely explained by differences in total body fat percentage. Visceral fat was associated with adiponectin concentrations, and did not completely explain higher adiponectin concentrations in women than in men.

Leptin Modifies the Rat Heart Performance Associated with Mitochondrial Dysfunction Independently of Its Prohypertrophic Effects.

Background Functional receptors for leptin were described on the surface of cardiomyocytes, and there was a prohypertrophic effect with high concentrations of the cytokine. Therefore, leptin could be a link between obesity and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, a deleterious effect of leptin on mitochondrial performance was described, which was also associated with the evolution of cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure. The goal of our study was to analyze the effect of the exposure of rat hearts to a high concentration of leptin on cardiac and mitochondrial function. Methods Rat hearts were perfused continuously with or without 3.1 nM leptin for 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours. Homogenates and mitochondria were prepared by centrifugation and analyzed for cardiac actin, STAT3, and pSTAT3 by Western blotting, as well as for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, membrane potential, swelling, calcium transport, and content of oxidized lipids. Results In our results, leptin induced an increased rate-pressure product as a result of increased heart rate and contraction force, as well oxidative stress. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction expressed as a loss of membrane potential, decreased ability for calcium transport and retention, faster swelling, and less respiratory control was observed. Conclusions Our results support the role of leptin as a deleterious factor for cardiac function and indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction could be a trigger for cardiac hypertrophy and failure.

Effects of visfatin on brown adipose tissue energy regulation using T37i cells

The role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in pathological states of energy homeostasis and impaired adipocyte function, such as obesity has been a major area of research interest in recent years. Herein, we sought to determine the direct effects of adipokines, visfatin and leptin on BAT thermogenesis.The effects of mouse recombinant visfatin, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and leptin with or without FK866 were studied on differentiated T37i cells. Treated cells were analyzed for key genes and proteins regulating BAT [UCP-1, PRD1-BF1-RIZ1 homologous domain-containing 16 (PRDM-16), PPARgamma-coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) and receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP-140)] using quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. Data is presented as mean P-values.Both visfatin and leptin had significant concentration dependent effects on thermogenesis in brown pre-adipocytes and at physiological levels, increased uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) levels in brown adipocytes. These effects of visfatin were similar to that of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), further strengthening the enzymatic role of visfatin. We also showed that leptin induced UCP-1 mRNA expression and protein production appears to be mediated by visfatin. High concentrations of both visfatin and leptin led to a dramatic decrease in UCP-1 protein levels, supporting the notion that visfatin levels are raised in obesity and that obese people have reduced BAT activity, plausibly through a reduction in UCP-1 levels. Additionally, we found differential regulation of key brown adipogenic genes, specifically, PRD1-BF1-RIZ1 homologous domain-containing 16 (PRDM-16), PPARgamma-coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) and receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP-140) by visfatin. Our observations provide novel insights in the potential actions of visfatin in BAT.

Leptin – A new marker for development of post-transplant diabetes mellitus?

IntroductionObese patients have increased leptin production and selective resistance to its central anti-adipogenic effects, yet its pro-inflammatory immunostimulating effects persist. Material and methodsIn a group of 70 patients who underwent primary kidney transplantation (KT) we examined adiponectin and leptin levels at the time of KT and 6 months post-transplantation. Patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2 at the time of KT were excluded from the study. ResultsWe found that leptin levels significantly increased during the post-transplant period (P = 0.0065). Overall, leptin levels were positively correlated with the level of triacylglycerols, post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) development and acute rejection (AR). We discovered that, in particular, high leptin levels were associated with AR [OR 2.1273; 95% CI 1.0130–4.4671 (P = 0.0461)] and PTDM development [OR 7.200; 95% CI 1.0310–50.2836 (P = 0.0465)], whereas, low adiponectin levels represent a risk factor for the development of insulin resistance [HR 38.6135; 95% CI 13.3844–67.7699 (P < 0.0001)] and obesity [HR 3.0821; 95% CI 0.8700–10.9192 (P = 0.0053)]. ConclusionWe found that a high serum concentration of leptin before KT is associated with both PTDM development and AR and merits further investigation in relation to KT.

Leptin attenuates D2 receptor-mediated inhibition of putative ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons.

Obesity causes hyperleptinemia. We have previously shown that D2 receptor‐mediated inhibition of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons is attenuated in diet‐induced mice with obesity. Consequently, we hypothesized that high concentrations of serum leptin during obesity might modulate D2 receptor‐mediated effects on VTA dopaminergic neurons. To investigate our hypothesis, we examined leptin effects on D2 receptor‐mediated inhibition of putative VTA dopaminergic neurons from lean mice using electrophysiological techniques. Leptin (100 nmol/L) directly inhibited spontaneous firing in 71% of putative VTA dopaminergic neurons (leptin‐responsive), whereas the remaining 29% of neurons were leptin‐nonresponsive. In 41% of leptin‐responsive neurons, leptin attenuated the reduced firing rate produced by quinpirole (100 nmol/L), whereas the remaining 59% of neurons exhibited no effect of leptin. In leptin‐nonresponsive neurons, no significant leptin‐induced effect was observed on reduced firing rate produced by quinpirole. In leptin‐responsive neurons with positive leptin‐induced attenuation of quinpirole effects, leptin‐induced attenuation persisted for >20 min, whereas no such persistent attenuation was observed in other types of neurons. In conclusion, leptin attenuates D2 receptor‐mediated inhibition in a subpopulation of putative VTA dopaminergic neurons. We suggest that leptin directly decreases, and indirectly increases, excitability of VTA dopaminergic neurons. In turn, this may contribute to a change in feeding behavior through the mesolimbic dopaminergic system during the development of obesity.

Intestinal parasites: Associations with intestinal and systemic inflammation.

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to evaluate associations between intestinal parasitic infection with intestinal and systemic inflammatory markers in school‐aged children with high rates of obesity. Plasma concentrations of C‐Reactive Protein (CRP), leptin, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐10 were measured as systemic inflammation markers and count of stool leukocytes as marker of intestinal inflammation in 291 children (6‐10 years). Intestinal parasitic infection was measured by stool examination. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the odds of having high inflammatory markers for each parasite or group of parasites as compared to parasite‐free children while adjusting for sex, age, mother's educational level and percentage of body fat. The prevalence of soil‐transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa infections was 12% and 36%, respectively. Parasitic infection was not associated with CRP, IL‐6, IL‐10 or TNF‐α. Children infected with Ascaris lumbricoides (aOR: 5.91, 95% CI: 1.97‐17.70) and Entamoeba coli (aOR: 8.46, 95% CI: 2.85‐25.14) were more likely to have higher stool leucocytes than parasite‐free children. Children with multiple infections (aOR: 10.60, 95% CI: 2.85‐25.14) were more likely to have higher leptin concentrations than parasite‐free children. Intestinal parasitic infection was not associated with systemic inflammation, but was associated with intestinal inflammation. Having multiple infections were associated with higher leptin concentrations.

A310 THE INHIBITION OF PTP1B REVERSES IMPAIRED VAGAL AFFERENT SENSITIVITY CAUSED BY DIET-INDUCED OBESITY, REDUCING NITRIC OXIDE AND 2 PORE DOMAIN K+ CONDUCTANCE

AbstractBackgroundWe have demonstrated that diet-induced obesity impairs vagal afferents and that the effects of high concentrations of leptin on vagal afferents in vitro, mimic the effects of obesity. One of downstream molecules in leptin signaling is protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), which plays a role in negative regulation.AimsWe hypothesized that inhibition of PTP1B would prevent an impairment of vagal afferents caused by diet-induced obesity/hyperleptinemiaMethodsDiet-induced obese (DIO) mice were fed diets composed of 60% or 10% kCal fat for 12–16 weeks. Nodose neurons from DIO mice or standard diet fed mice were incubated overnight with leptin (100nM) and PTP1B inhibitor (10mM). Current and voltage clamp were performed to assess membrane excitability and two-pore domain K+ (K2P) conductance, respectively. NO was measured in culture media using Nitrate/Nitrite fluorometric Assay kit. Media was collected after cell incubation for 24 hrs.ResultsLeptin (100nM) incubation reduced the excitability of vagal afferents. PTP1B inhibitor reversed this inhibitory effect of leptin. PTP1B inhibitor significantly decreased rheobase (100.8 ± 18.6 pA, n=12, leptin) vs. 64.7 ± 5.2 pA (n=15, Leptin + PTP1B inhibitor), *p=0.0497) and significantly increased input resistance (353.8 ± 36.2 MΩ (n=12, leptin) vs. 508.2 ± 52.7 MΩ (n=15, Leptin + PTP1B inhibitor), *p=0.0305). Leptin significantly increased K2P conductance (0.280 ± 0.022 nS (n=17, control) vs. 0.377 ± 0.035 nS (n=16, leptin), *p=0.0108). Inhibition of PTP1B significantly decreased the conductance (0.249 ± 0.013 pA (n=14, Leptin + PTP1B inhibitor), **p=0.0028) in leptin-incubated neuron. In mice fed a HFF diet, there is reduction in vagal excitability, which was reversed by the inhibition of PTP1B. PTP1B inhibitor significantly decreased rheobase (112.1 ± 14.6 pA (n=14, leptin) vs. 70.8 ± 8.1 pA (n=12, HFF + PTP1B inhibitor), *p=0.0268). Rheobase was not significantly different in LFF. Inhibition of PTP1B significantly decreased K2P conductance both in LFF and HFF neurons (LFF; **p=0.0050; HFF; **p=0.0041). PTP1B inhibitor significantly reduced NO fluorescence in leptin-incubated media (33.1 ± 2.2 (Leptin) vs. 12.2 ± 1.0 (Leptin+PTP1B inhibitor), ***<0.0001, n=6) and in neurons from HFF mice (43.4 ± 0.7 (HFF) vs. 29.9 ± 0.6 (HFF+PTP1B inhibitor), ***<0.0001 n=6), but not in LFF (27.8 ± 1.3 (LFF) vs. 25.8 ± 0.8 (LFF+PTP1B inhibitor), NS n=6).ConclusionsIinhibition of PTP1B reverses the effects of HFF and elevated leptin on NO production and K2P conductance in nodose ganglion neurons. Consistent with this, the inhibitory effects of leptin and diet-induced obesity on the excitability of vagal afferent neuron were also reversed by PTP1B blockade. We suggest PTP1B may be a pivotal regulator and potential drug target in obesity.Funding AgenciesCIHR

Relationship between Ghrelin and Leptin with Insulin Resistance in Obese Patients and Non-Obese Individuals

Experimental studies have suggested that Ghrelin and Leptin play a role in glucose homeostasis, and thus any disturbance to their action might lead to Insulin resistance, Obesity and type II Diabetes Mellitus, thus we assess the hypothesis that low Ghrelin concentration and high Leptin concentration are a risk factor for obesity and Insulin resistance. The materials and methods: One hundred people were included in this study: fifty obese patients and fifty non-obese. The mean age for the study group was (34.00±9.43) years old while that of the control group was (34.00±9.43) year's old respectively, they were classified according to their Body Mass Index after measuring their height and weight, the mean BMI of case patients was (39.23±6.71kg/m²) and (23.08±1.19 kg/m²) for the control individuals, exclusion Criteria included: history of diabetes mellitus; finding of high blood glucose on biochemical examination, history of taking drugs that cause obesity or increase in body weight such as steroids, patients with diseases of high growth hormone level such as acromegaly, pregnant women, while the investigations that were done including: Fasting blood sugar, fasting serum Ghrelin, fasting serum Leptin and fasting serum Insulin, Insulin resistance was measured using HOMA-IR module. Results showed that there is association between insulin resistance and obesity as it well known and a significant relation between fasting serum Leptin with Obesity/Insulin resistance (p value>0.05) but a non-significant relation between fasting serum Ghrelin and Obesity/Insulin Resistance (p value>0.05). Conclusion: Obesity is associated with insulin resistance with high level of fasting serum Leptin but with not high level of fasting serum Ghrelin.

Short communication: The association of adiponectin and leptin concentrations with prepartum dietary energy supply, parity, body condition, and postpartum hyperketonemia in transition dairy cows

Adipokines-hormones produced by adipose tissue-have important regulatory functions, and their concentrations can change around the time of calving when energy balance rapidly decreases. Hence, energy balance may be an important factor in determining the circulating concentrations of adipokines, particularly adiponectin and leptin. The objective of our study was to investigate the association between the level of energy fed to prepartum Holstein cows and circulating concentrations of adiponectin and leptin before and after calving. Holstein dairy cows entering second or greater lactation were fed either a controlled-energy diet formulated to supply approximately 100% of energy requirements (n = 28) or a high-energy diet formulated to supply approximately 150% of energy requirements throughout the entire dry period (n = 28). Serum samples were analyzed for adiponectin and leptin concentrations at 56, 28, 10, and 1 d prepartum as well as on d 1, 10, 21, and 42 postpartum using ELISA. Parity was dichotomized into cows entering second versus higher parity. Average peripartum body condition score (BCS) was computed from weekly measurements and dichotomized into animals with an average BCS of ≤3.25 and >3.25. In addition, cows were classified according to the occurrence of hyperketonemia (β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations ≥1.2 mmol/L at any time between 3 and 21 d in milk). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Serum leptin but not adiponectin concentrations were associated with prepartum feeding level such that leptin concentrations increased transiently during the dry period in cows overfed energy, but concentrations were not different postpartum. Cows entering second parity had higher adiponectin and lower leptin concentrations compared with cows in higher parities. Cows that developed hyperketonemia postpartum had consistently lower adiponectin concentrations during the study period. Cows with average BCS >3.25 had higher leptin concentrations during the dry period only, but adiponectin concentrations were not associated with BCS. In conclusion, prepartum energy level had only transient effects on leptin concentrations and did not lead to changes in adiponectin concentrations.

Serum Concentration of Leptin in Pregnant Adolescents Correlated with Gestational Weight Gain, Postpartum Weight Retention and Newborn Weight/Length.

Introduction: Gestational weight gain is an important modifiable factor known to influence fetal outcomes including birth weight and adiposity. Leptin is normally correlated with adiposity and is also known to increase throughout pregnancy, as the placenta becomes a source of leptin synthesis. Several studies have reported positive correlations between cord blood leptin level and either birthweight or size for gestational age, as well as body mass index (BMI). Objective: To determine the correlation of prenatal leptin concentration in pregnant adolescents with their gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, and weight/length of their newborn. Methods: A cohort study was conducted on pregnant Mexican adolescents from Gestational Week 26–28 to three months postpartum (n = 168 mother–child dyads). An anthropometric assessment was made of each pregnant adolescent, and the serum level of leptin and the intake of energy were determined. The newborn was evaluated each month during postpartum. Clinical records were reviewed to obtain sociodemographic data. Bivariate correlations, tests for repeating measurements and logistic regression models were performed. Results: Leptin concentration gradually increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. At Gestation Week 36, leptin level correlated with gestational weight gain. When comparing adolescents that had the lowest and highest concentration of leptin, the former presented a mean of 6 kg less in gestational weight gain (inter-subject leptin concentration, p = 0.001; inter-subject energy intake, p = 0.497). Leptin concentration and gestational weight gain exerted an effect on the weight of the newborn (inter-subject leptin concentration for Week 32, p = 0.024; inter-subject gestational weight gain, p = 0.011). Newborn length was associated with leptin concentration at Week 28 (leptin effect, p = 0.003; effect of gestational weight gain, p = 0.722). Conclusions: Pregnant adolescents with leptin concentration over 20 ng/mL showed a greater gestational weight gain. Leptin concentration correlated with length and weight of the newborn.

Leptin upregulates COX-2 and its downstream products in aortic endothelial cells.

The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin is associated with hypertension. The involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its downstream vasomotor products prostaglandin (PG) and thromboxane (TX)A2 in the mechanisms of action of leptin have remained elusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of leptin on the expression of COX-2 by rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) and the concentration of its products, represented by 6-keto PGF1α and TXB2, in the culture media. RAECs were isolated, cultured and identified by immunofluorescence staining. The RAECs were incubated with different concentrations of leptin (10-10, 10-9 and 10-8 M) for various durations (36 or 48 h). COX-2 mRNA and protein expression in the cells was detected by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The vasodilator 6-keto PGF1α and the vasoconstrictor TXB2 were detected in the supernatant by ELISA. The cultured cells displayed specific factor VIII expression in the cytoplasm. Compared with the PBS-treated control group, leptin significantly increased the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein in a time- and dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). Furthermore, the vasodilator 6-keto PGF1α was increased and the TXB2/6-keto PGF1α ratio decreased only with relatively high concentrations of leptin (10-9 or 10-8 M; P<0.01), but TXB2 levels were not affected (P>0.05). In conclusion, leptin significantly increased the expression of inflammatory marker COX-2 and its downstream product 6-keto PGF1α, while also decreasing the TXB2/6-keto PGF1α ratio in vitro. These observations suggested that COX-2 may have an important role in the effects of leptin on inflammation, such as the low-inflammatory disease hypertension. However, selective COX-2 inhibitors may increase the risk of hypertension due to inhibiting 6-keto PGF1α, the vasodilator product of COX-2.

Polymorphisms in the leptin (rs7799039) gene are associated with an increased risk of excessive gestational weight gain but not with leptin concentration during pregnancy

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) have been shown to be linked to obesity-related metabolic markers and phenotype. Therefore, we hypothesized that the LEP-rs7799039 and LEPR-rs1137101 SNPs are related to the risk of pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) as well as to excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and high concentrations of leptin throughout pregnancy. We investigated a prospective cohort of 147 Brazilian pregnant women through weeks 5-13, 20-26, and 30-36 of gestation. Genetic variants of LEP and LEPR were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and leptin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses included multiple linear regression, linear mixed effects, and Poisson regression models. Genotype AA carriers for the LEP-rs7799039 gene maintained a lower body weight throughout pregnancy compared with those with genotypes GG or GA + GG (βAAvsGG = −7.91 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], −14.21 to −1.61; P = .01; and βAAvsGA + GG = −7.66 kg; 95% CI, −14.07 to −1.25; P = .02). The A allele was significantly associated with an increased risk for excessive GWG (relative riskLEP-GAvsGG, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.23-3.80; and relative riskLEP-AAvsGG, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.04-5.39). Neither the LEP-rs7799039 nor LEPR-rs1137101 SNP was significantly associated with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity risk and leptin concentrations during pregnancy. In conclusion, our results indicate that women who had the AA genotype for LEP-rs7799039 displayed a lower body weight throughout pregnancy compared with GG or GA + GG carriers. LEP-rs7799039 was significantly associated with an increased risk for excessive GWG, but the results do not support significant associations of the LEP-rs7799039 and LEPR-rs1137101 polymorphisms with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity risk and leptin concentrations throughout pregnancy.

The Responses of Mouse Preimplantation Embryos to Leptin In Vitro in a Transgenerational Model for Obesity.

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that leptin can directly mediate the negative effect of maternal obesity on preimplantation embryos. As previously shown, maternal obesity retards early embryonic development in vivo and increases the incidence of apoptosis in blastocysts. When two-cell embryos isolated from control and obese mice were transferred to identical (leptin free) conditions in vitro, no differences in any growth or quality parameters were recorded, including apoptosis incidence in blastocysts. Embryos isolated from control mice responded to transfer to environments with a high concentration of leptin (10 ng/mL) with a significant increase in arrest at the first or subsequent cell cycle. However, the majority of non-arrested embryos developed into blastocysts, showing morphology comparable to those cultured in the leptin-free group. On the other hand, the exposure of embryos isolated from obese mice to high leptin concentration in vitro did not retard their development. Furthermore, these embryos developed into blastocysts, showing a lower incidence of apoptosis. In vivo-developed blastocysts recovered from obese mice showed elevated expression levels of the proapoptotic gene BAX and the insulin-responsive glucose transporter gene SLC2A4. In conclusion, elevated leptin levels have both positive and negative effects on preimplantation embryo development in vitro, a response that likely depends on the body condition of the embryo donor. Moreover, these results suggest that leptin acts as a survival factor rather than an apoptotic inductor in embryonic cells. Since no elevations in the expression of the leptin receptor gene (LEPR) or fat metabolism-associated genes (PLIN2, SLC27A4) were recorded in blastocysts recovered from obese mice, the role of leptin in mediating the effects of obesity on embryos at the peripheral level is likely lower than expected.

Metabolomics reveals an entanglement of fasting leptin concentrations with fatty acid oxidation and gluconeogenesis in healthy children.

BackgroundLeptin and adiponectin communicate with organ systems in order to regulate energetic and metabolic homeostasis. Their different points of action have been well characterized; however, no study has investigated their interrelationship with the metabolism at the molecular level in vivo.ObjectiveTo examine the associations of leptin and adiponectin with the metabolic profile reflecting the intercellular and interorgan communication as well as activated metabolic pathways.Patients/MethodsWe measured plasma concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and insulin along with concentrations of 196 metabolites in 400 healthy, fasting 8-years old German children who participated in the German Ulm Birth Cohort Study (UBCS). Using multiple linear mixed models, we evaluated the associations between hormones and metabolites.ResultsLeptin levels increased exponentially with increasing BMI. Leptin was furthermore strongly associated with alanine and aspartate (Bonferroni corrected P[PBF] = 5.7×10−8 and 1.7×10−6, respectively), and negatively associated to the sum of the non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and the sum of the long-chain acylcarnitines C12–C18 (PBF = 0.009 and 0.0001, respectively). Insulin showed a similar association pattern, although the associations were less strong than for leptin. Adiponectin was neither related to BMI nor to any metabolite.ConclusionAlthough children were presumably metabolically similar, we found strong associations of insulin and leptin with the metabolite profile. High alanine concentrations and the lower concentrations of NEFA in children with high fasting leptin concentrations might arise from an increased gluconeogenesis and from the disinhibiting effect of leptin on the carnitine-palmitoyltransferase-1, respectively. As insulin had the same trend towards these associations, both hormones seem to be related to processes that provide the body with energy in fasting state.

Adiponectin, leptin and insulin in breast milk: associations with maternal characteristics and infant body composition in the first year of life.

Breastfeeding may protect against excessive weight gain during infancy. However, the breast milk components responsible for this effect are unknown. We examined the variation of three breast milk hormones (adiponectin, leptin and insulin) according to maternal characteristics and determined their association with infant body composition. We studied a representative subset of 430 breastfed infants in the CHILD birth cohort. Breast milk was collected at 4 months postpartum and hormone concentrations were measured using the MesoScale Discovery System. Weight-for-length (WFL) and body mass index (BMI) z-scores were calculated according to the World Health Organization reference standard from infant anthropometrics measured at 4 months and 1 year. Maternal BMI and demographics were self-reported. Breast milk hormone concentrations varied widely between mothers. The geometric mean (range) was 19.4 (3.7-74.4) ngml-1 for adiponectin; 361 (31-3968) pgml-1 for leptin; and 589 (53-5557) pgml-1 for insulin. Maternal BMI was positively correlated with breast milk insulin (r=+0.40, P<0.0001) and leptin (r=+0.71, P<0.0001), but not adiponectin (r=-0.02, P=0.68). Breast milk hormone concentrations were also associated with maternal ethnicity, parity and breastfeeding exclusivity at sample collection. Independent of these factors and maternal diabetes, smoking and breastfeeding duration, higher breast milk leptin was associated with lower infant WFL z-score at 4 months (β -0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.17, -0.17 for highest vs lowest quintile) and 1 year (β -0.58, 95% CI: -1.02, -0.14). Insulin showed a U-shaped association, with intermediate concentrations predicting the lowest infant WFL z-score at 4 months (β -0.51, 95% CI: -0.87, -0.15 for third vs lowest quintile) and 1 year (β -0.35, 95% CI: -0.66, -0.04). Similar results were seen with infant BMI. Breast milk adiponectin was not significantly associated with infant body composition. Breast milk hormone concentrations were associated with several fixed and modifiable maternal characteristics. Higher concentrations of leptin and intermediate concentrations of insulin were associated with lower infant WFL in the first year of life.

A review of the physiology of a survival expert of big freeze, deep snow, and an empty stomach: the boreal raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an invasive canid originating from eastern Asia. Here, we review its physiological adaptations to wintering, with an emphasis on northern Europe, where the raccoon dog spends the coldest part of the year in winter sleep. The timing of physiological changes related to wintering is connected to photoperiod by melatonin. In preparation to winter, raccoon dogs display autumnal hyperphagia and fattening probably regulated by the interaction of several peptide hormones. Sufficient fat deposition is essential for survival through the cold season and for reproduction in spring. The wintering strategy includes alternating periods of physical activity and passivity. Effective arousal and foraging during warmer bouts are enabled by normoglycaemia. During active periods, raccoon dogs are opportunistic participants in the food web, and they mainly utilize ungulate carcasses, plant material, and small mammals. Preferred wintertime habitats include watersides, forests, wetlands, and gardens. However, many food items become limited in mid-winter and snow restricts foraging leading to a negative energy balance. During passivity, energy is preserved by denning and by modest metabolic suppression, probably enabled by decreased thyroid hormone levels. Sleepiness and satiety could be maintained by high growth hormone and leptin concentrations. Several hormones participate in the extension of phase II of fasting with selective fatty acid mobilization and efficient protein conservation. The blood count, organ function tests, bone mass, and bone biomechanical properties exhibit high resistance against catabolism, and breeding can be successful after significant weight loss. The flexible physiological response to wintering is probably one reason enabling the successful colonization of this species into new areas.

Metabolic milieu associates with impaired skeletal characteristics in obesity.

High leptin concentration, low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance often coexist in obese subjects; this adverse metabolic milieu may be the main culprit for increased fracture risk and impaired bone quality seen in patients with type 2 diabetes. We examined the associations of leptin, hs (high sensitivity)- CRP and insulin resistance with bone turnover markers (BTMs) and bone characteristics in 55 young obese adults (median BMI 40 kg/m2) and 65 non-obese controls. Mean age of the subjects was 19.5 ± 2.5 years (mean ± SD). Concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, hs-CRP, MMP-8 and TIMP-1, fasting plasma glucose and insulin (to calculate HOMA), BTMs (BAP, P1NP, CTX-1, and TRAC5b) were measured. Bone characteristics were determined with pQCT at radius and tibia, and with DXA for central sites. Leptin, hs-CRP and HOMA correlated inversely with BTMs: the partial coefficients were 1.5–1.9 fold higher in males than in females. After adjusting for age, BMI, and other endocrine factors, leptin displayed an independent effect in males on radial bone mass (p = 0.019), tibial trabecular density (p = 0.025) and total hip BMD (p = 0.043), with lower densities in males with high leptin. In females, the model adjusting for age, BMI, and other endocrine factors, revealed that hs-CRP had independent effects on radial bone mass (p = 0.034) and lumbar spine BMD (p = 0.016), women with high hs-CRP having lower values. Partial correlations of adiponectin and TIMP-1 with bone characteristics were discrepant; MMP-8 showed no associations. In conclusion, in young obese adults and their controls, leptin, hs-CRP and HOMA associate inversely with BTMs and bone characteristics. Leptin appears to be the key independent effector in males, whereas hs-CRP displayed a predominant role in females.

167 Leptin induces sca-1+ progenitor cell migration enhancing neointimal formation

BackgroundLeptin is a hormone that is predominantly secreted by white adipose tissue and thus the majority of obese individuals display high concentrations of plasma leptin. Initially believed to be solely...