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a Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Neuroendocrino-Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
Key Words: leptin • immune system • neuroendocrine system
Address for correspondence: Peter Härle, M.D., Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Neuroendocrino-Immunology, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, 93042 Regensburg, Germany. Voice: +49 941 944 7116; fax: +49 941 944 7121. e-mail: peter.haerle{at}klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Leptin is a hormone of the pluripotent white adipose tissue and confers a multitude of regulatory functions within the organism. It controls the energy storage, lipoprotein metabolism, acute phase reactants, sex hormones and glucocorticoid metabolism, and immune function. In this review, we describe these multiple functions of leptin, the regulation of leptin expression, and how leptin can modulate the immune system via direct and indirect mechanisms. We show how leptin can be a link between the adipose tissue and inflammation.
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