Leptin and gender characteristics of metabolic disorders in obesity

Adiposity is accompanied by a number of gender-based hormonal and metabolic disorders. The differences between hormonal status in males and females are not limited to the unequal androgen and estrogen secretion rates respectively. Substantial gender-based differences affect other regulatory systems, leptin system in particular. Leptin is currently regarded as a key element of the physiological system, regulating appetite and energy balance. Other functions of leptin relate to its regulatory impacts on the bone tissue, immune system, angiogenesis and hematopoiesis. The connection between leptin and insulin resistance allowed some scientists to consider hyperleptinemia as an additional component of metabolic syndrome. This review focuses on leptin in relation to gender-based metabolic disorders. Gender differences in serum leptin concentrations are considered, together with the changes of leptin levels during the gestation period, perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods. The sources of leptin in the central nervous system and the influence of the hormone on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are issues in question. The article also presents information indicating leptin renal effects in patients having metabolic disorders. It is concluded that the issue of leptin in relation to genderbased adiposity metabolic disorders needs to be further explored. Further investigation may contribute to efficient identification of high-risk groups for cardiovascular disorders and improve personalised approaches to treatment.