Leptin and Autoimmune Diseases

Introduction: Leptin, an anti-obesity hormone, is also a regulator of the immune response whichsends important signals regarding the metabolic status and immune system function. Thishormone/cytokine can affect the secretion of acute phase proteins such as Interleukin-1 and TNF-αand facilitate communication between nutrition and Th1 immune response so that when the foodintake reduces, plasma leptin levels decreases, leading to reduced function of the immune system.Increase in blood leptin levels in obesity makes the obese people more susceptible tocardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancer. Previous researches demonstrate theimportant effects of leptin in metabolism, whereas more recent studies show that this molecule hasan important role in many other key functions of body such as haematopoiesis, thermogenesis,reproduction, angiogenesis, homeostasis and immune system. This paper aims to review the mostrecent findings regarding the role of leptin in the pathology of autoimmune disease, in particularmultiple sclerosis, psoriasis, autoimmune thyroid disease, lupus erythematosus, endometriosisand rheumatoid arthritis.