LEPTIN - A PLEIOTROPIC CYTOKINE MOLECULE

摘要

Leptin (16 kDa) being a pleiotropic molecule regulates food intake as well as metabolic and endocrine functions besides playing a regulatory role in immunity, inflammation and hematopoiesis. Both leptin and its receptor share structural and functionalsimilarities with interleukin-6 and interIeukin-2 families of cytokines. Leptin influences energy homeostasis and regulates neuroendocrine function primarily in states of energy deficiency. As a cytokine, leptin also affects thymic homeostasis and, similar to other pro-inflammatory cytokines, leptin promotes Thl cell differentiation and cytokine production. This review focuses on the role of leptin in the modulation of the immune response, inflammation and hematopoiesis.