Leptin, a hormone secreted mainly by white adipose tissue, plays a multifaceted role in regulating metabolism, appetite, weight, immunity, and inflammation. It is critical to maintain leptin balance, as low levels can lead to starvation and heightened infection risk, while high levels can trigger insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and inflammation, thereby escalating cardiovascular risk.
Leptin not only reduces appetite and promotes energy expenditure but also influences glucose and lipid metabolism, thereby influencing multiple body functions. Leptin resistance, especially in obesity, can compromise these functions.
Leptin also acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine, with elevated levels potentially indicating autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. Elevated leptin levels also correlate with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
For those with coronary artery disease, high leptin levels are associated with a greater risk of major cardiac events and stroke. Treatments, such as testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men, have shown success in reducing serum leptin levels and improving metabolic health.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Leptin, health consequences, the ODX ranges, etc.