Open AccessLeptin action in normal and pathological pregnancies
Author(s) -
PérezPérez Antonio,
Toro Ayelén,
VilariñoGarcía Teresa,
Maymó Julieta,
Guadix Pilar,
Dueñas José L.,
FernándezSánchez Manuel,
Varone Cecilia,
SánchezMargalet Víctor
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/jcmm.13369
Subject(s) - leptin , placentation , adipose tissue , placenta , medicine , autocrine signalling , endocrinology , biology , polycystic ovary , paracrine signalling , adipokine , trophoblast , leptin receptor , pregnancy , insulin , receptor , fetus , obesity , insulin resistance , genetics
Leptin is now considered an important signalling molecule of the reproductive system, as it regulates the production of gonadotrophins, the blastocyst formation and implantation, the normal placentation, as well as the foeto‐placental communication. Leptin is a peptide hormone secreted mainly by adipose tissue, and the placenta is the second leptin‐producing tissue in humans. Placental leptin is an important cytokine which regulates placental functions in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Leptin seems to play a crucial role during the first stages of pregnancy as it modulates critical processes such as proliferation, protein synthesis, invasion and apoptosis in placental cells. Furthermore, deregulation of leptin levels has been correlated with the pathogenesis of various disorders associated with reproduction and gestation, including polycystic ovary syndrome, recurrent miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, pre‐eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Due to the relevant incidence of the mentioned diseases and the importance of leptin, we decided to review the latest information available about leptin action in normal and pathological pregnancies to support the idea of leptin as an important factor and/or predictor of diverse disorders associated with reproduction and pregnancy.