Leptin resistance: unsolved diagnostic issues

Abstract

Leptin and its receptors are key regulators of body weight and energy homeostasis. A decrease in tissue sensitivity to leptin leads to the development of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, etc. Currently, the phenomenon of leptin resistance is explained by a number of mechanisms, including impairment of gene structure, leptin transport through the blood-brain barrier, and leptin receptor signaling. However, it is not known, a decrease in the number of receptors of which area leads to the development of leptin resistance. No relationship has been found between the basal leptin level in obesity and expression of leptin receptors in the skeletal muscles. It is also important to investigate the contribution of fatty tissue of different localization to leptin secretion regulation and activity of its receptors. The term «leptin resistence» reflects a complex pathophysiological phenomenon with broad perspectives for study. In this review, we analyze methods of diagnosing leptin resistance.