Leptin Protein Analysis

As more is being discovered by the leptin gene and the impact that it has on the human body, we realize that the effects of mutations are far more complex than we think. The common understanding of leptin is that it is responsible for controlling the feeling of satiety in humans (Strosberg and Issad 1999), meaning that people would generally assume that ineffective forms of the leptin producing gene are directly related to weight gain; while this is true to some extent, studies have shown that mutations in the leptin gene contribute to several other physiological complications in the human body (Isreal and Chua 2009; Strosberg and Issad 1999; Campfield et al. 1996). Leptin protein is coded by the leptin gene and is produced …show more content…
Studies have shown that there is definitely a relationship between body mass percentage and infertility, but since there is no chemical connection between the two, it is understood that leptin must be the missing link since it is secreted in adipose tissue and signals are sent directly to the brain (Strosberg and Issad 1999). There are certain neurons in the brain that are inhibited by leptin receptors and therefore affect the release of Gonad Releasing Hormone (GnRH) (Isreal and Chua 2009), which is a very important hormone of the reproductive system. A deficiency in leptin is very likely to hinder the fertility of an individual. Disruption of puberty may also be a consequence of an absence of leptin since puberty is recognized by the increase in certain hormones that are released with the help of GnRH (Strosberg and Issad 1999). GnRH is responsible for activating the production of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which then goes on to produce common hormones associated with puberty: testosterone and estrogens (Isreal and Chua

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