A new biology of diabetes revealed by leptin

Cell Metab. 2015 Jan 6;21(1):15-20. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2014.10.011. Epub 2014 Nov 20.

Abstract

A variety of leptin actions require a re-examination of classic concepts of metabolic diseases. Here we present evidence for two physiologic pathways: a pathway that protects nonadipose tissues from overaccumulation of potentially toxic lipids and unrecognized paracrine interactions between α and β cells revealed by leptin's ability to suppress diabetic hyperglucagonemia. These observations strongly point to new therapeutic possibilities for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ceramides / biosynthesis
  • Diabetes Mellitus / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus / pathology*
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Leptin / metabolism*
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Lipids / toxicity
  • Serine C-Palmitoyltransferase / metabolism

Substances

  • Ceramides
  • Leptin
  • Lipids
  • Serine C-Palmitoyltransferase
  • Glucose