Leptin Signaling in Obesity and Cancer Dynamics
Summary
Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, serves as a critical regulator of energy balance by signalling nutritional status to the hypothalamus and peripheral tissues. Under normal physiology, leptin binding to its receptor triggers intracellular cascades—principally JAK–STAT and PI3K–Akt pathways—to suppress appetite, enhance energy expenditure and modulate immune responses. In obesity, chronically elevated leptin levels lead to receptor desensitisation, commonly termed leptin resistance, which perpetuates weight gain and systemic inflammation. This pro-inflammatory state, characterised by elevated cytokines and altered immune cell infiltration, creates a microenvironment conducive to tumour initiation and progression. Aberrant leptin signalling in cancer cells enhances proliferation, inhibits apoptosis and stimulates angiogenesis via upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor. Moreover, cross-talk with oestrogen and insulin-like growth factor pathways further amplifies oncogenic signals. The dual role of leptin in metabolic homeostasis and tumour biology underscores its relevance as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target. Strategies to restore leptin sensitivity or to block its receptor are under active investigation, with the potential to mitigate obesity-driven cancer risk and improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Leptin Signaling in Obesity and Cancer Dynamics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in leptin signaling in obesity and cancer dynamics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Leptin: A peptide hormone produced by adipocytes that regulates appetite, energy expenditure and immune function.
Adipokine: Any cytokine or hormone secreted by adipose tissue involved in metabolic and inflammatory processes.
Leptin receptor (Ob-R): A membrane-bound receptor that, upon leptin binding, activates intracellular JAK–STAT and PI3K–Akt pathways.
Obesity paradox: The counterintuitive observation that obesity may confer improved prognosis in certain diseases, including some cancers.
Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels, a process often stimulated by leptin in tumour microenvironments.
Hypoxic adaptation: Physiological adjustments to low-oxygen conditions that can affect hormone secretion and sensitivity.
References
- The Impact of Gastrointestinal Hormones on Human Adipose Tissue Function. Nutrients (2024).
- The association between living altitude and serum leptin concentrations in native women. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2023).
- Obesity and the Impact on Cutaneous Melanoma: Friend or Foe?. Cancers (2020).
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