The Role of Leptin in Selected Skin Diseases
October 2020
in “
Lipids in Health and Disease
”
TLDR Leptin affects skin and hair health and may worsen some skin conditions, but more research is needed to understand its full impact.
The document from 2020 reviewed the role of leptin in skin diseases, emphasizing its involvement in psoriasis, hair growth, and other conditions. Leptin, produced by white adipose tissue, functions as a hormone and cytokine, influencing skin physiology and pathology. It was found to stimulate angiogenesis, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and potentially activate the anagen phase in hair cycles. Higher serum leptin levels were observed in obese patients with psoriasis, and leptin's pro-inflammatory activity may exacerbate this condition by stimulating the Th1/Th17 axis. The review also noted leptin's association with male androgenetic alopecia, with higher BMI correlating with increased severity of hair loss, and higher serum leptin levels in AGA subjects. However, leptin levels were not linked to AGA severity. In atopic dermatitis, leptin levels varied and were inversely correlated with disease severity in some cases. The document concluded that leptin has confirmed effects on skin and hair but requires further research to fully understand its role in skin disorders. It also suggested that obesity treatment could improve skin conditions, as no leptin-oriented medication is available.
