Question

85. Leptin is a circulating hormone that is produced by fat cells and plays a role in body metabolism and obesity. It normally binds to receptors in the brain and inhibits appetite. Studies have demonstrated that when obese mice that are leptin deficient are injected with leptin they quickly lose their excess weight. Interestingly, however, many overweight people have high levels of leptin in their bloodstream. Why do you think that the high levels of leptin in obese individuals are insufficient to curb their appetite?

Answer 1

Answer:

Overweight people have high level of leptin in their blood stream that does not keep in check their appetite, it is due to lack if sensitivity of their leptin binding receptor, it means that the receptor with which leptin is to bind and work effectively is not working properly due to which the hormone is not doing its function well and although found in the bloodstream at high levels. While in case of obese mice these receptors are working properly and upon dosage of leptin, abrupt loss in their weight was seen.