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Blutwerte · Marker

Leptin

Serum Leptin · Saettigungshormon

Adipokine & Metabolische HormoneNüchtern erforderlichZeitabhängig
Einheit:
ng/mL

Leptin quantifies the concentration of the hormone involved in energy balance regulation.

Reference Ranges

Reference
120ng/mL
1
20
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mL

Levels can vary by sex and are influenced by fasting and time of day.

Overview

Übersicht

Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone involved in the regulation of energy balance and metabolism. It acts on neurons in brain areas such as the hypothalamus to regulate food intake, thermogenesis, energy expenditure, and glucose/lipid metabolism homeostasis. Clinically, leptin is significant as it is a biomarker of leptin resistance, commonly observed in obese individuals. Leptin resistance is characterized by reduced sensitivity to leptin, leading to increased food intake and obesity-related disorders. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, leptin's role in energy expenditure and appetite regulation is of interest, as it may influence body composition and metabolic efficiency. However, factors such as sleep deprivation can acutely alter leptin levels, and sex-specific differences may affect its interpretation. Researchers found that fasting and time of day can also influence leptin measurements, necessitating standardized testing conditions.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated leptin levels often indicate leptin resistance, commonly associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. Reduced leptin levels may be observed in conditions such as acute sleep deprivation.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising leptin levels suggest worsening leptin resistance or obesity. Retest in 3-6 months if rising.

Falling Values

Falling leptin levels may indicate improved metabolic health or acute factors like sleep deprivation.

Re-test Interval

6 months if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Obesity
  • Leptin resistance
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Certain types of cancer
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
Cause

Low Levels

  • Acute sleep deprivation
  • Malnutrition
  • Hypothalamic dysfunction
  • Extreme exercise
  • Anorexia nervosa
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular physical activity
  • Adequate sleep
  • Stress management
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced diet with adequate protein
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • High-fiber foods

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes.

Testing Guidelines

🍽️Fasting Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

Leptin levels may vary throughout the day; morning tests are recommended for consistency.

Testing Frequency

Annually for individuals monitoring metabolic health.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Acute stress
  • Sleep deprivation

Related Peptides & Hormones

Ghrelin

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the prognostic impact of leptin and its receptor in colorectal cancer remains uncertain due to inconsistent findings across studies, particularly regarding reference ranges and confounding factors like genetic polymorphisms. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for leptin in obesity treatment or clarified the mechanisms underlying leptin resistance. Additionally, clinical questions regarding the precise roles of leptin in reproductive health and its effects on metabolic disorders continue to be debated.

28 Research Publications

1,444

Total Citations

8

Human/RCT

3.2

Avg. Influence

2026

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

The known and unknown of leptin in pregnancy.

ReviewInfluence14.0
297
This review explored the known and unknown roles of leptin in pregnancy, highlighting its increased levels during gestation. Researchers observed that dysregulation of leptin production can affect fetal growth and that umbilical leptin levels may serve as a biomarker for fetal adiposity. The study aims to clarify leptin's functions in health and disease during pregnancy.
View on PubMed
#02

The role of leptin in leptin resistance and obesity.

ReviewInfluence5.0
286
This article summarized recent findings on the relationship between leptin resistance and obesity. Researchers observed that elevated leptin levels contribute to reduced sensitivity to the hormone, creating a cycle that exacerbates obesity. The review discusses the implications of leptin resistance for metabolic health.
View on PubMed
#03

The Leptin Resistance.

ReviewInfluence2.0
119
This study examined leptin resistance, a condition where the brain becomes less responsive to leptin, leading to increased appetite and energy intake. Researchers found that this resistance is common in obese individuals and is linked to various metabolic disorders. The review highlights emerging mechanisms and strategies for addressing obesity and related diseases.
View on PubMed
#04

Leptin-cytokine crosstalk in breast cancer.

ReviewInfluence6.0
115
This review analyzed the relationship between leptin levels and breast cancer, highlighting the hormone's role in inflammation and tumor progression. Researchers found that leptin may promote breast cancer cell proliferation through specific signaling pathways. The review suggests that inhibiting leptin signaling could be a potential strategy for breast cancer prevention.
View on PubMed
#05

Leptin and seasonal mammals.

AnimalInfluence5.0
102
This study investigated seasonal variations in leptin levels in seasonal mammals, demonstrating that leptin secretion fluctuates with seasonal changes. Researchers found that exogenous leptin could induce fat loss in winter-like conditions, highlighting seasonal leptin resistance in certain mammals.
View on PubMed
#06

Effects of acute sleep loss on leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin in adults with healthy weight and obesity: A laboratory study.

HumanInfluence1.0
87
This laboratory study investigated the effects of acute sleep deprivation on blood levels of leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin in adults. Researchers observed that sleep loss reduced leptin levels while increasing ghrelin and adiponectin, with variations based on sex and weight. These hormonal changes may contribute to weight gain if sleep deprivation persists.
View on PubMed
#07

Leptin deficiency: clinical implications and opportunities for therapeutic interventions.

ReviewInfluence2.0
66
This review discussed the clinical implications of leptin deficiency and its potential for therapeutic interventions. Researchers noted that leptin plays a critical role in energy regulation and that deficiency can lead to severe metabolic issues. The study highlights the potential for leptin replacement therapy in certain conditions.
View on PubMed
#08

Leptin as a Biomarker of Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-AnalysisInfluence1.0
65
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine if leptin levels decrease following acute stress. Researchers found that leptin levels significantly dropped after stress interventions, particularly in normal-weight individuals and women. The findings suggest that leptin may serve as a biomarker for stress responses.
View on PubMed
#09

Leptin and adiponectin: pathophysiological role and possible therapeutic target of inflammation in ischemic stroke.

ReviewInfluence3.0
65
Researchers examined the roles of leptin and adiponectin in ischemic stroke. They found that these adipocytokines are linked to inflammation and atherosclerosis, suggesting that measuring their levels could serve as a prognostic biomarker. The study discusses their potential as therapeutic targets in stroke management.
View on PubMed
#10

Leptin and reproduction.

Review
47
This review focused on the role of leptin in reproduction, noting its influence on hormone secretion related to puberty, pregnancy, and lactation. Researchers found that leptin interacts with gonadal hormones and involves specific signaling pathways. The study also discusses ongoing controversies regarding leptin's precise roles in reproductive health.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (1)

1

Total Trials

24

Total Enrolled

Leptin in the Maintenance of Reduced Body Weight

NCT01155180Phase 2COMPLETED
Sponsor

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Enrollment

24

Started

2008

Primary outcome

Percent Change From Baseline in Body Weight at 6 Months

Obesity

Publication Trend

Research publications about Leptin over time

8total
1
'02
1
'06
1
'18
2
'22
1
'23
1
'24
1
'25

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