Hippokratia 2007, 11(4):163-170
G. Efstratiadis, C. Nikolaidou, G. Vergoulas
Abstract
The role of leptin in humans is not yet precisely established. Nevertheless there is increasing evidence revealing that this molecule is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis as an independent risk factor. From another point of view, however, leptin is allready related to known traditional risk factors for accelerated atherogenesis, like obesity.
We herein provide the experimental and clinical data concerning the association between leptin and atherosclerotic
disease. Vascular stiffness and calcification, immune responce regulation, fibrinolysis, and oxidative stress, are the main fields to be investigated in relation to leptin in the present study.
Additionally the discription of the main characteristics of leptin and its receptors is included in the introduction of this article, whereas in the end the main clinical data suggesting that this molecule represents an interesting risk facto for atherosclerotic disease are provided.
Keywords: leptin, cardiovascular events, obesity, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis
Correspoding author: Efstratiadis G, Ethnikis Amynis 14, Thessaloniki 54621, Greece, tel: 6974799768, e-mail: efstrati @ med.auth.gr