Endocrine regulation of energy metabolism: review of pathobiochemical and clinical chemical aspects of leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and resistin

Clin Chem. 2004 Sep;50(9):1511-25. doi: 10.1373/clinchem.2004.032482. Epub 2004 Jul 20.

Abstract

Background: Recent studies point to the adipose tissue as a highly active endocrine organ secreting a range of hormones. Leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and resistin are considered to take part in the regulation of energy metabolism.

Approach: This review summarizes recent knowledge on leptin and its receptor and on ghrelin, adiponectin, and resistin, and emphasizes their roles in pathobiochemistry and clinical chemistry.

Content: Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin are produced by the adipose tissue. The protein leptin, a satiety hormone, regulates appetite and energy balance of the body. Adiponectin could suppress the development of atherosclerosis and liver fibrosis and might play a role as an antiinflammatory hormone. Increased resistin concentrations might cause insulin resistance and thus could link obesity with type II diabetes. Ghrelin is produced in the stomach. In addition to its role in long-term regulation of energy metabolism, it is involved in the short-term regulation of feeding. These hormones have important roles in energy homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, reproduction, cardiovascular function, and immunity. They directly influence other organ systems, including the brain, liver, and skeletal muscle, and are significantly regulated by nutritional status. This newly discovered secretory function has extended the biological relevance of adipose tissue, which is no longer considered as only an energy storage site.

Summary: The functional roles, structures, synthesis, analytical aspects, and clinical significance of leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and resistin are summarized.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adiponectin
  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Gastric Mucosa / metabolism
  • Ghrelin
  • Hormones, Ectopic / blood
  • Hormones, Ectopic / chemistry
  • Hormones, Ectopic / metabolism
  • Hormones, Ectopic / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins*
  • Leptin / blood
  • Leptin / chemistry
  • Leptin / metabolism
  • Leptin / physiology*
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Peptide Hormones / blood
  • Peptide Hormones / chemistry
  • Peptide Hormones / metabolism
  • Peptide Hormones / physiology*
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Proteins / physiology*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / blood
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Receptors, Leptin
  • Resistin

Substances

  • Adiponectin
  • Ghrelin
  • Hormones, Ectopic
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • LEPR protein, human
  • Leptin
  • Peptide Hormones
  • Proteins
  • RETN protein, human
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Leptin
  • Resistin