The Important Role of Leptin in Modulating the Risk of Dermatological Diseases

The 2021 document discussed the role of leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, in various skin diseases. It was found that leptin, beyond its known functions, has significant immunomodulatory effects, influencing the function of immune cells and affecting the pathogenesis of several dermatological diseases. Leptin was found to stimulate angiogenesis, control lipid metabolism, and modulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Increased leptin levels and dysfunction of the leptin signaling pathway can influence a range of skin diseases, including psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, and dermatological cancers. Leptin was also found in different hair structures and was suggested to promote hair growth. However, the exact mechanisms of leptin in modulating these dermatological diseases were still under investigation. The document also mentioned the potential of pharmacological interventions that decrease leptin secretion or break leptin resistance as a possible treatment for these skin diseases.