Leptin News and Research

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Leptin is a 16 kDa protein hormone that plays a key role in regulating energy intake and energy expenditure, including appetite and metabolism. It is one of the most important adipose derived hormones. The ''Ob(Lep)'' gene (Ob for obese, Lep for leptin) is located on chromosome 7 in humans.

Researchers explore biological mechanisms behind obesity-cancer link

New studies led by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers explore biological mechanisms behind obesity and its link with cancer.

1 Apr 2019

Scientists identify genetic mechanism that may play role in some obesity cases

Obesity is a major public-health problem in the United States and around the world, with an estimated 650 million people suffering from the condition.

7 Mar 2019

The role of galanin-like peptide in regulating feeding behavior and energy metabolism

Galanin-like peptide is a short peptide made up of 60 amino acid residues. This sequence is homologous across several species. The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus is the place where GALP is produced. GALP has diverse physiological effects such as the regulation of feeding, energy metabolism, and reproductive behavior.

25 Dec 2018

Air pollution linked with development of Alzheimer's in Mexico City children

A new study by researchers at the Universities of Montana, Valle de México, Boise State, Universidad Veracruzana, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría and Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research heightens together with German company Analytik Jena concerns over the evolving and relentless Alzheimer's pathology observed in young Metropolitan Mexico City urbanites.

21 Dec 2018

Single workout can improve metabolism for up to 2 days

Lounging around all weekend may weigh heavy on the minds of the health conscious. But these sedentary stretches may not affect the waistline, provided they're preceded by a bit of exercise.

4 Dec 2018

Experts debate over whether gut or brain is more important in regulating appetite

Whether gut or brain hormones are more important for the regulation of appetite and metabolism is not clearly defined. Imbalances in the control of appetite and metabolism can lead to obesity and diabetes, which have a negative impact on people's health and healthcare costs.

19 Nov 2018

Researchers explore role of dietary composition on energy expenditure

The researchers say this effect may improve the success of obesity treatment, especially among people with high insulin secretion (insulin level 30 minutes after consuming a standard amount of glucose).

14 Nov 2018

Study finds why obesity both fuels cancer growth and helps immunotherapy to kill tumors

A groundbreaking new study by UC Davis researchers has uncovered why obesity both fuels cancer growth and allows blockbuster new immunotherapies to work better against those same tumors.

13 Nov 2018

Nasal delivery of leptin hormone may help ease breathing problems during sleep

Experimenting with mice, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have added to evidence that a hormone best known for helping regulate hunger and body weight might also ease breathing problems experienced during sleep more effectively when given through the nose.

7 Nov 2018

Getting right level of leptin may help protect cardiovascular health

Like that famous bowl of porridge, when leptin levels are "just right" they help protect our cardiovascular health, scientists say.

29 Oct 2018

Weight loss success associated with brain areas involved in self-control

New research suggests that higher-level brain functions have a major role in losing weight. In a study among 24 participants at a weight-loss clinic, those who achieved greatest success in terms of weight loss demonstrated more activity in the brain regions of the lateral prefrontal cortex associated with self-control.

19 Oct 2018

New 3D imaging technique helps track satiety hormone

Many overweight people lack the feeling of being full. It was long thought that this was due to the disrupted transport of the satiety hormone leptin to the brain.

9 Oct 2018

Study: Neural signal that urges to eat overpowers the one that says to stop

Almost everyone knows the feeling. You're at a restaurant or a holiday meal, and your stomach is telling you it's full, so logically you know you should stop eating.

21 Sep 2018

Plant-derived substance could offer new option for treatment of obesity

A plant-derived substance widely used in traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated promising weight loss effects.

31 Aug 2018

Physical activity can help reduce risk of heart disease in older adults

Adults in their early 60s, who spend less time sitting and more time engaged in light to vigorous physical activity, benefit with healthier levels of heart and vessel disease markers, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

9 Aug 2018

Nature and effects of breastfeeding on health of mothers and babies

Guidelines recommend breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for most babies. The Nutrition 2018 meeting will feature new research findings on the nature of breast milk and how breastfeeding may affect the health of both moms and babies.

11 Jun 2018

Brain stimulation shows promise in treating obesity by reducing food cravings

Stimulating the brain to alter its intrinsic reward system shows promise in the treatment of obesity, according to results presented in Barcelona at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2018.

21 May 2018

New drug-based treatment to promote weight loss in young patients with genetic obesity

In a new study researchers from the Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology of the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have successfully treat patients whose obesity is caused by a genetic defect.

8 May 2018

University of Pennsylvania expert investigates novel treatment for cocaine addiction

Cocaine and other drugs of abuse hijack the natural reward circuits in the brain. In part, that's why it's so hard to quit using these substances.

28 Apr 2018

Caffeine during pregnancy - babies 66 percent more likely to become overweight

A new study has shown that babies carry a 30 percent increased risk of being overweight when they are exposed to two cups of coffee daily while within the mother’s womb. If the mothers were consuming more than three cups of coffee a day while they were pregnant, the babies were 66 percent more likely to become overweight.

25 Apr 2018