Listening to Leptin: Restoring the Paracrine Signaling of Leptin to Increase Uncoupled Fatty Acid Oxidation

To cope with fast food and fad diets, many scientists are searching for a sound metabolic approach to attacking obesity. In Wang et. al, 2005, Dr. Roger Unger's laboratory at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is examining the link between obesity and a blockade of leptin signaling in adipocytes (fat cells). Leptin, a neurotransmitter and hormone, is secreted during overnutrition to cause a decrease in appetite. However, in individuals with diet-induced obesity, leptin signaling is blocked. Overcoming this obstruction of leptin activity, a leptinergic blockade, was the focus of this study.