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Regulation of energy balance and blood pressure: are genetic polymorphisms pertinent?

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 19, pages 329–330 (2005)Cite this article

Within the central nervous system (CNS), energy balance is regulated by a complex network of peptide hormones integrating peripheral stimuli and determining behavioural changes related both to energy expenditure and food intake. Leptin (from the Greek word Λɛπτoσ meaning thin) is a protein hormone predominantly produced by adipocites providing information about the nutritional status to the hypothalamic nuclei. This long-term acting peptide exerts its effects, via its receptor, in the arcuate nucleus stimulating propiomelanocortin synthesis that, in turn, exerts the anorexigenic effect through stimulation of paraventricular nucleus via an MC4R receptor. This activation also triggers a sympathetic autonomic response, detectable in the cardiovascular system as increased heart rate and blood pressure.1

Beyond its CNS effects, leptin also induces in vascular cells, a NO-independent vasorelaxation,2 and, in the liver, an AMPK-mediated stimulation of glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation.3 Leptin might also contribute to blood pressure regulation through increased sodium reabsorption from the kidney.4 As for cytokines, this molecule circulates linked with soluble receptors. Soluble leptin receptor (SLR) is generated by alternative splicing of OB-R mRNA (OB-Re) and/or ectodomain shedding of membrane-spanning receptors; in lean subjects this is the main vehicle of leptin, while in obese subjects it circulates mainly free.5 The relevance of the whole leptin-mediated mechanism of energy regulation is highlighted by the evidence that mutations within the genes of leptin, leptin receptor, propiomelanocortin and of its receptor in paraventricular nucleus MC4R are associated to obesity, even during childhood.6 Leptin has been claimed, consequently, as a negative regulatory factor in body weight and fat percentage.

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  1. UCO Clinica Medica, Department of Clinical Morphological and Technological Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

    N Fiotti & C Giansante

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  1. N Fiotti
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  2. C Giansante
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Correspondence to N Fiotti.

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Fiotti, N., Giansante, C. Regulation of energy balance and blood pressure: are genetic polymorphisms pertinent?. J Hum Hypertens 19, 329–330 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001849

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