Leptin-Associated Vascular Dynamics in Metabolic Disorders

Leptin, a hormone predominantly secreted by adipose tissue, is classically recognised for its role in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis. Beyond its central effects, leptin exerts potent actions on the vascular system, directly influencing endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages. In metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, persistently elevated leptin levels—described as hyperleptinemia—contribute to a state of selective leptin resistance. In this condition, central appetite-suppressing responses are blunted while peripheral vascular effects remain active, fostering endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling. These processes promote arterial remodelling, increased arterial stiffness and accelerated atherogenesis. Leptin stimulates mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, upregulates monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and induces matrix metalloproteinases, thereby facilitating plaque formation, neovascularisation and lesion instability. A comprehensive understanding of these dynamics is crucial, given the rising global prevalence of metabolic diseases and associated cardiovascular complications. Therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating leptin signalling hold promise for mitigating vascular injury in these patients.

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Leptin-Associated Vascular Dynamics in Metabolic Disorders publication trend

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Technical terms

Adipokine: A cytokine produced by adipose tissue that regulates metabolic, inflammatory and vascular functions.

Endothelial dysfunction: A state in which the vascular endothelium exhibits reduced vasodilatory capacity and increased proinflammatory activity.

Hyperleptinemia: An abnormally high concentration of leptin in the bloodstream, often associated with obesity and selective leptin resistance.

Atherosclerosis: The progressive build-up of lipid-laden plaques within arterial walls, leading to narrowing, stiffening and risk of occlusion.

Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, which in the context of atherosclerosis can contribute to plaque growth and instability.

References

1. Multifaced roles of adipokines in endothelial cell function. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2024).
2. The Role of Adiponectin and Leptin in Fibro-Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines (2024).
3. Leptin Induces Mitochondrial Superoxide Production and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Expression in Aortic Endothelial Cells by Increasing Fatty Acid Oxidation via Protein Kinase A*. Journal of Biological Chemistry (2001).
4. Potential role of leptin in angiogenesis: leptin induces endothelial cell proliferation and expression of matrix metalloproteinases in vivo and in vitro. Experimental & Molecular Medicine (2001).
5. Leptin in Atherosclerosis: Focus on Macrophages, Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021).
6. Association of serum leptin levels with central arterial stiffness in coronary artery disease patients. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders (2016).