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Review
. 2020 Oct 2;19(1):215.
doi: 10.1186/s12944-020-01391-8.

The role of leptin in selected skin diseases

Klaudia Dopytalska  1 , Agnieszka Baranowska-Bik  2 , Marek Roszkiewicz  1 , Wojciech Bik  3 , Irena Walecka  1
Affiliations
Review

The role of leptin in selected skin diseases

Klaudia Dopytalska et al. Lipids Health Dis. .

Abstract

Leptin is an adipokine, adipocyte-derived compound, which acts both as a hormone and cytokine. It is mainly synthesized by adipocytes of white adipose tissue. Leptin possesses pleiotropic functions including, among others, stimulation of angiogenesis and production of proinflammatory cytokines. The various types of leptin activity are related to the wide distribution of leptin receptors. This adipokine acts by activating intracellular signaling cascades such as JAKs (Janus kinases), STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription), and others.In a course of obesity, an increased serum level of leptin coexists with tissue receptor resistance. It has been reported that enhanced leptin levels, leptin receptor impairment, and dysfunction of leptin signaling can influence skin and hair. The previous studies revealed the role of leptin in wound healing, hair cycle, and pathogenesis of skin diseases like psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, and skin cancers. However, the exact mechanism of leptin's impact on the skin is still under investigation. Herein, we present the current knowledge concerning the role of leptin in psoriasis and selected skin diseases.

Keywords: Immune system; Leptin; Obesity; Psoriasis; Skin disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The suggested mechanisms of leptin activity in the skin
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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